School Chaplains

You may or may not be aware that there is currently a case before the High Court in Canberra aimed at removing federal funding from school chaplaincy (known in South Australia as 'Christian Pastoral Support Workers').

The premise of the case launched by Mr Ron Williams is that it is unconstitutional for the Federal Government to be funding chaplains.

Angela Jolley, the acting director of Schools Ministry Group SA, writes:

The outcome of the case could have a significant impact on the Chaplaincy services that we are able to offer our communities in the future.

What we do know is that:

• Chaplaincy is a great service that is of great value to school communities by providing pastoral care, spiritual support and referral pathways.


• Chaplains are trained and work in partnership with other caring professionals.


• There is overwhelming public support for school chaplaincy, and we provide support and care to the whole school community, including staff and parents.


• Qualified educational professionals affirm the role of chaplains. A 2009 national survey found that 98% of responding principals that had a chaplain in the school wanted government funding for school chaplains to continue.

You my also like to go to http://www.supportschoolchaplains.com.au and register your support.

Please pray about this issue and register your support for our kids, by supporting their chaplains.