...Lord M's comments about the HRC over on the Tebbitt thread got me thinking. What is OTF's reaction to the following scenario...
Imagine, if you will, a state funded RC comprehensive girls school in a London Borough, teaching girls between the ages of 11 and 16. Every year, prior to the GCSE's (or whatever they are called that particular year), the school holds a celebratory Mass, calling on The Lord to, inter alia, assist the girls in their exams but also to celebrate the great journey of life that these girls are about to undertake as they leave the school community and go to join the community at large. It's a wonderful life affirming occasion for all.
Now, imagine that one year, say this one, immediately subsequent to that Mass taking place it was to be followed by a funeral for someone not associated with the school. The Mass having taken place in a local church, not the school.
Now neither the Headteacher of the school nor the priest think it inappropriate that during the celebratory Mass, the deceased's coffin will be sitting in the middle of the aisle in plain view to all the girls rather than in a side chapel or somewhere more discreet.
So, OTF - You are the headteacher, who has been approached by a parent concerned that this juxtaposition of life and death may have a detrimental effect upon Portia's performance in her RE exam (or indeed any of her subsequent exams), which follows the Mass. How do you respond?
Imagine, if you will, a state funded RC comprehensive girls school in a London Borough, teaching girls between the ages of 11 and 16. Every year, prior to the GCSE's (or whatever they are called that particular year), the school holds a celebratory Mass, calling on The Lord to, inter alia, assist the girls in their exams but also to celebrate the great journey of life that these girls are about to undertake as they leave the school community and go to join the community at large. It's a wonderful life affirming occasion for all.
Now, imagine that one year, say this one, immediately subsequent to that Mass taking place it was to be followed by a funeral for someone not associated with the school. The Mass having taken place in a local church, not the school.
Now neither the Headteacher of the school nor the priest think it inappropriate that during the celebratory Mass, the deceased's coffin will be sitting in the middle of the aisle in plain view to all the girls rather than in a side chapel or somewhere more discreet.
So, OTF - You are the headteacher, who has been approached by a parent concerned that this juxtaposition of life and death may have a detrimental effect upon Portia's performance in her RE exam (or indeed any of her subsequent exams), which follows the Mass. How do you respond?
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