http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=1650714&nav=0RZEKu8h
(SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky., February 18th, 2004, 11 a.m.) -- A debate over the separation of church and state had hundreds of people packed into the Bullitt Central High School auditorium Tuesday night to address the school board. So many showed up that more than 400 had to be turned away. Parents and church members wanted to know why ministers are no longer allowed to visit with students on their lunch break. WAVE Investigator Connie Leonard reports.
"Whether we have youth ministers or not, we want to make sure that our youth ministers are allowed to come and speak with the students," said Carol McCullough, a member of the Little Flock Ministry. That was the message at a school board meeting that looked more like a packed Sunday service.
"After 17 years of partnership, we were told it's over," said the Reverend Ronald Shaver of the Little Flock Ministry. He pointed out that youth ministers from his church have been visiting the school during lunch for years to talk, counsel or just listen to students.
"If you're genuinely interested in increasing scores, we want to be a partner, don't close us out," Shaver said.
Church attorneys told the board there is no service or group prayers talking about Jesus, arguing the youth ministers are mentors who just happen to be Christians. One attorney called it "religious discrimination," while another argued that the Constitution and case law clearly indicate "you may not exclude a minister, a rabbi, or anyone else solely because of their religious status."
But, armed with a videotape, the board attorney told the group that a sermon Rev. Shaver recently delivered showed that the visits were all bringing church to school. On the tape, Rev. Shaver says: "There's no reason why I shouldn't be able to go down there, sit down and have lunch with our kids. And if I want to talk about Jesus, there's nothing wrong with it."
School officials say getting federal funds binds schools to abide by federal law, and like it or not, there are no exceptions.
School board officials said they had no intention of changing their minds -- and the crowd made it clear it didn't like that answer.
The school system argues that all groups are excluded during school hours, not just youth ministers. They say if ministers were allowed in, they would be bound to allow any and all other groups the same opportunity. In the meantime, church officials and their attorneys believe their case is equally strong.
(SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky., February 18th, 2004, 11 a.m.) -- A debate over the separation of church and state had hundreds of people packed into the Bullitt Central High School auditorium Tuesday night to address the school board. So many showed up that more than 400 had to be turned away. Parents and church members wanted to know why ministers are no longer allowed to visit with students on their lunch break. WAVE Investigator Connie Leonard reports.
"Whether we have youth ministers or not, we want to make sure that our youth ministers are allowed to come and speak with the students," said Carol McCullough, a member of the Little Flock Ministry. That was the message at a school board meeting that looked more like a packed Sunday service.
"After 17 years of partnership, we were told it's over," said the Reverend Ronald Shaver of the Little Flock Ministry. He pointed out that youth ministers from his church have been visiting the school during lunch for years to talk, counsel or just listen to students.
"If you're genuinely interested in increasing scores, we want to be a partner, don't close us out," Shaver said.
Church attorneys told the board there is no service or group prayers talking about Jesus, arguing the youth ministers are mentors who just happen to be Christians. One attorney called it "religious discrimination," while another argued that the Constitution and case law clearly indicate "you may not exclude a minister, a rabbi, or anyone else solely because of their religious status."
But, armed with a videotape, the board attorney told the group that a sermon Rev. Shaver recently delivered showed that the visits were all bringing church to school. On the tape, Rev. Shaver says: "There's no reason why I shouldn't be able to go down there, sit down and have lunch with our kids. And if I want to talk about Jesus, there's nothing wrong with it."
School officials say getting federal funds binds schools to abide by federal law, and like it or not, there are no exceptions.
School board officials said they had no intention of changing their minds -- and the crowd made it clear it didn't like that answer.
The school system argues that all groups are excluded during school hours, not just youth ministers. They say if ministers were allowed in, they would be bound to allow any and all other groups the same opportunity. In the meantime, church officials and their attorneys believe their case is equally strong.
