A couple of years ago, some friends started to do something that was, for them, very out of the ordinary. They started going to church. No matter that they were self-declared atheists. Nor that one of the pair had previously refused to attend christenings because of the ceremonyâ??s renunciation of the devil. Soon, however, all became clear. The local C of E primary school was good â?? very good. But you had to go to church to get in. â??On your knees or pay the fees,â? as the saying goes â?? only paying the fees was, in this instance, not an option.
Oh, how we like to bicker about the shamelessness of parents who conveniently find God just before their kidsâ?? primary school entrance. No wonder that now one faith school â?? St Lukeâ??s primary in Kingston Upon Thames â?? has decided to do away with the whole charade. Father Martin Hislop, the parish priest, has just sent a letter to parents. â??For quite some time I have been very uncomfortable with admissions criteria and in particular the need to keep a register for church attendance,â? he wrote. â??The requirement for recorded attendance and the cynicism about attendance do not contribute to a positive and affirming atmosphere for the nurture of faith.â? He is not the only one who is uncomfortable. Governors at Gonerby Hill Foot primary in Grantham, Lincolnshire, will confirm on Friday whether they too will stop selecting pupils on the basis of faith.
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