| “The NSW Department of Education has caused needless controversy by its
decision – apparently unilateral – to change the conventions by which dates
are marked,” Christian Schools Australia said today. After receiving
complaints about the compulsory Year 7 standardised language/literacy test
(ELLA) the NSW Opposition has raised in parliament the test's use of the term BCE
(Before the Common Era) instead of the historic BC (Before Christ).
Christian Schools Australia CEO Stephen O’Doherty said the use of the term
BC was an historical convention and uncontroversial – until the Department
itself made a divisive decision.
“That Jesus of Nazareth – called the Christ – was a figure of history is not
in dispute,” Mr O’Doherty said.
“His life marks a central point of human history. Irrespective of religious
belief this has been considered such a significant turning point that by
convention it has been adopted as the way we measure the calendar: BC and AD
referring to before and after the approximate birth year of Christ.
“Christians believe Jesus life marks the central point in human history in
another way: that it represents an intimate and poignant moment in the
relationship of God and man. We believe Jesus’ death and resurrection are a
marking point for humanity; it is our response to these events which defines
the Christian faith. Christians believe Jesus’ death and resurrection are
necessary for the reconciliation of God and man; that salvation is possible
only because Jesus died on our behalf.
“These are matters of faith. The Australian nation prides itself on its
religious tolerance – by which we mean people of different faiths and
cultural backgrounds respectfully living and working alongside one another,
in a way possible in almost no other nation. Christian schools are defenders
and beneficiaries of the Australian democracy, not only on our own behalf
but also on behalf of other faith-based schools.
“However the mere use of the term conventional term BC does of itself not
require a faith-decision nor make a faith-based statement of belief. It is a
recognition of the history of the matter, and of Jesus’ role as a figure in
history.
“The act of removing the term on the other hand may itself be deemed a
faith-based action – quite inappropriate for a government agency. The act of
trying to ‘erase’ this well accepted convention will be offensive to many
followers of Christ and historians alike.
“As far as we are aware the Department did not consult before including this
term in the ELLA (standardised Yr 7 literacy) test, apparently signalling a
quiet policy shift. It is immensely regrettable they should do something so
divisive without consultation.
“Just why the Department should do this is hard to fathom, unless they were
seeking to cause offence and division. Should they argue they were trying to
avoid division, this has of course backfired.
“We acknowledge that while history and the canons of belief do not change,
nomenclature may.
“Terminology change would not change our belief in Jesus or our intention to
follow him; to educate, serve and speak out in light of his teaching.
“It should however bother all Australians that a government agency would
attempt such a decision without any proper process.
“This decision was unnecessary, clumsy, and divisive.
“We applaud the NSW Minister for Education Carmel Tebbutt for making it
clear the Department should reverse its decision and thank the NSW
Opposition for raising it,” Mr O’Doherty said. -/ ENDS
Issued by Stephen O’Doherty
ceo@christianschools.edu.au
Issue date 3 March 2005 |
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