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Don’t compel non-Christians to attend devotion – Peace Council

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The National Peace Council has instructed public school in the
country not to compel students of a different religion to attend
devotion or participate in any act of worship without their consent.

This was contained in the communiqué issued after a national stakeholder’s forum on religious tolerance convened by the Council.

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference earlier defended its stance
in support of the continuation of compulsory morning devotion in
Catholic Schools and advised students who cannot abide by the rules to
“go somewhere else.”

According to the Conference, the students, including Muslims, who go
to Christian schools are aware of the school’s practices, accept the
conditions before they are admitted and, as a result, have no grounds
for complaint.

However the Peace Council at a forum held on Tuesday watered down
cliams by the Conference and asked public schools not to compel students
of a different religion to participate in acts of worship.

“Taking into consideration the provisions of the constitution on
human rights, no public school shall require students who are followers
of a different religion to participate in acts of worship, devotion or
fellowship without their concerns or the concern of their parents;this
is without prejudice to the general assembly which precede daily school
activity,” the Council said.

Recommendations

After an open and exhaustive deliberation,the stakeholders guided by the issues raised gave other recommendations.

The Peace Council recommended that an
independent inter religious body should be set up to work closely with
the National Peace Council in order to provide a platform for dialogue 

They also tasked the GES to provide a policy framework for the
creation of an acceptable dress code and the use of religious symbols in
schools, taking into consideration the legitimate concerns of
interested religious groups.

That all schools or institutions must create an environment where
students feel welcome without any fear of discrimination or
victimisation on religious grounds

That reasonable space allowance or facilities shall be provided for
students to congregate for the purpose of prayer or act of worship at
times and places which do not conflict with teaching and learning.

That parties concerned should seriously consider the suggestion that
in schools funded by the state, a general prayer without any specific
peculiarities at the morning assembly or any other general student
gathering should be offered or done on alternative basis or done at the
same time.

In the pursuit of Ghana’s religious undertakings, Ghanaians should be
guided by the fact that Ghana is a secular state and also be guided by
an abiding commitment to National Peace, unity and development.

Credit: Citifmonline.com

Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku

I am a Ghanaian Broadcast Journalist/Writer who has an interest in General News, Sports, Entertainment, Health, Lifestyle and many more.

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