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1 6 1992 Central Oro Presbyterian Church - MinutesMINUTES OF MEETING HELD AT THE CENTRAL OR0 PRESBYTRIAN CHURCH JANUARY 6, 1992 Meeting was opened by Lloyd Fletcher and Morris Shelswell who explained that this meeting of concerned citizens with regard religious and christian education in the schools today, had been called to arrive at some proposals and/or recommendations to the School Board, in this case to the Simcoe County Board of Educatioh. Morris Shelswell at the conclusion of the introduction and explanation of the purpose of the meeting asked for nominations for Chairman and Secretary for the meeting. Sevetal nominations were made and several persons declined. It was moved by Hugh Douglas and seconded by George Tran that Henry Neufeld be Chairman. (who reluctantly accepted) No person nominated for Secretary accepted and D. Black volunteered to act as Secretary for the meeting. Minutes taken by D. Black of the meeting - January 6, 1992. John Wakeland - Association of Ian Wilson Christian Fellowship, gave background for reasons for the meeting: no Christian pageants at S.C.B.E. schools this past Christmas. About 650 people showed up at the Board meeting to voice their concerns which brought bac4 room Bible groups and the right to celebrate Christmas (pageants) Rev. William Heath noted that in 1963 separate and public school acts required teachers to teach in that faith when they signed contracts. If we lose our Christian doctrine we will lose our Christian way of life. Lloyd Fletcher read a letter from the Ministry of Education to SCBE concerning amendment to Clause 235 (1) (c) removing "Judeo- Christian principles. Mrs. Slessor noted the night of the meetingthe Board would not answer a Trustee's question why the Board had not answered the Ministry's letter (sent August 8, 1991) Churches represented at this meeting: West Oro Baptist Central Oro Presbyterian Esson Oro " Oro Station Guthrie Guthrie United Church Hawkestone " " Mitchell Square Baptist Church As was piadecarodosalthe to beetresentedmtotSCBE,should Chairman formed to prep I_ F called for nominations J:astor W. heath nominated by Walt r HutchinsonHugo utiglas !r?pc.1 i nPd) 1 - 2 - Norman Shelswell nominated by John Harrison i��orris Shelswell nominated by h,oved by Keith Sarderson nominations closed, seonded by Bernal Johnston. Moved by Keith Sanderson that the above Committee be formed, seconded by John 'Harrison. Lloyd Fletcher suggested that this Committee join with other County people to bring this issue to the Board. Keith Sanderson moved that our School Board Trustee be invited to our next meeting, seconded Jim Langman. Norris Shelswell read a letter received from Premier Bob Rae concerning his question about the removal of the Lord's Prayer and Bible teachings. John (Harrison said it is time for Christians to stand up and be counted and for our elected members to be called to task on why they allowed the Lord's Prayer and Christmas to be removed from our schools. John Wakeland noted it will have to be Congrgatimns that bring this issue to the board and further - Dr. Brice Martin noted that the publically- funded Catholic School system can teach its religion but the public school cannot. Paster Heath said a school system will exhibit what a man is, where he is and where he will be. Norman Shelswell said that young children that have no religion nor home life have no where to go to learn religion. Some semblance of Christian teaching has to be taught in our schools. Time to do something meaningful. Hugh Douglas (works at an Alchol and Drug recovery) Home in Orillia. - sent his grandson to a Catholic Hugh Douglas moved tha t the Committee of 5 formed, get on the Agenda of next School Board meeting, seconded by Dr. Brice Martin. Pastor Heath moved that the Committee find a way to have the Judeo-Christian teachers uphold ethic and be submitted without prejudice to the Board and Ministry. Carman Spencer noted that it was the Principal who suggested they hold the Bible classes at noon hour at East Oro Fublic School Catherine Langman noted that • the parents are not denying atheists their rights and that the Principal and teachers at East Oro School were very supportive of the Bible Class. Committee will call the next meeting - to be announced in the pulpits. Next meeting to be held here at the Central Oro Church at the call. ht comtattf,e. .motion to Adjourn by Walter Hutchinson.