A storm could be brewing over the distribution of Bibles in public schools.
The Bluewater District School Board is considering taking Bibles out of its schools.
Trustees heard from two delegations — including the Pastor of First St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Hanover, Mark Koehler — saying Bibles have been distributed to public school elementary students who wanted them for the past 64 years.
Koehler says in this area, Christians are in the majority and although other religions are recognized, he doesn’t see a problem with the distribution.
For one thing, Bibles are only given to those children, whose parents have given signed permission.
J. David Adams, President of the Hanover Gideon Camp says less than half the permission forms given out come back signed.
The policy committee, chaired by trustee Kevin Larson, will meet on the matter on December 6th.
Larson says he’s not aware of any complaint by anyone regarding the distribution of the Bibles.
However Education Director John Bryant says it does stem from an old complaint dating back to the previous chair of the board.
The December 6th meeting on the future of Bible distribution in public elementary schools is open to the public and will be at the board offices at 4 PM.
