The Inter-Church Commission on Religious Education in Schools noted in its submission the apology of the Education Minister, Verity Firth, ''regarding the lack of consultation with any SRE [special religious education] stakeholders prior to the introduction of the lessons''.

Nina Funnell wrote:Unlike moralising sermons, which strictly dictate right from wrong, these classes are designed to teach children how to think through the complex process of working out what is ethical or unethical (or somewhere in between) in any given dilemma.

Special Religious Education (SRE) is currently centre stage in NSW education. The potential ethics alternative to SRE, if it happens, will be an historic change of policy. Many are declaring that SRE is one thing or another, and can only be this or that. But the closer you look, the more intricate and nuanced the arguments, the more Mandelbrot and illusive the truth.

So, at this time, when standpoint perspectives are being defended and some views are being dismissed or not heard, or perhaps not even voiced, it is worth making the effort to get a fuller sense of just what is at stake.

Christian advantage
In many regions, SRE options are limited to "Christianity" or "non-scripture." In some schools, if parents do not formally opt out, the default is Christian scripture. This is not policy, simply poor practice.

Discrimination
20 per cent of parents surveyed claimed they felt pressure to enrol their child in a religious option. Schools do not want to deal with large numbers opting out.

A retiring teacher recently told me that "We always encouraged parents not to take the non-scripture option and tried to keep those numbers as low as possible."

Segregation
Religion is the only subject in which parents have control of their child's curriculum. They do not have similar ability to limit their child's curriculum exposure in politics and government to only a liberal view. Nor are parents able to specify only free market theory in economics.

Lack of accountability
Teachers are generally highly qualified individuals who undergo significant scrutiny before being given the responsibility of moulding young minds.

SRE administration is largely outside departmental jurisdiction. Schools are "not responsible for" lesson content. Trained teachers are only allowed to attend "with the agreement of the SRE volunteer."

Complaints about poor teaching are referred back to the religious bodies. The policy cleverly writes out government accountability. This has consequences.

When it comes to scripture classes in NSW, almost anything goes. There is no monitoring of student numbers, volunteer qualifications or theological fervour.

The Education Department has no requirements regarding content, pedagogical approach or outcomes. Even the assurance that volunteers are not criminals is outsourced to the sponsoring religious organisation to avoid liability.