Church faces 'McCarthyism' row over public profession of faith for teachers
17th August 2012
The Bishop of Lancaster, the Rt Rev Michael Campbell, has written to clergy in his diocese about plans to ask Catholic teachers and school governors to make public declarations of belief during special masses.
It is part of a series of events planned in the area to mark the Year of Faith, a worldwide initiative announced by Pope Benedict to re-enthuse worshippers. The bishop insists it is an “invitation not an imposition” and would not apply to non-Catholic teachers. But some heads have voiced concerns that staff might feel under pressure to conform.
Earlier this year Bishop Campbell attracted attention after suggesting that the Church should consider ending its ties with schools that are now “Catholic in name only” because the majority of pupils and teachers belong to other faiths and none.
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Church faces 'McCarthyism' row over public profession of faith for teachers
17th August 2012
The Bishop of Lancaster, the Rt Rev Michael Campbell, has written to clergy in his diocese about plans to ask Catholic teachers and school governors to make public declarations of belief during special masses.
It is part of a series of events planned in the area to mark the Year of Faith, a worldwide initiative announced by Pope Benedict to re-enthuse worshippers. The bishop insists it is an “invitation not an imposition” and would not apply to non-Catholic teachers. But some heads have voiced concerns that staff might feel under pressure to conform.
Earlier this year Bishop Campbell attracted attention after suggesting that the Church should consider ending its ties with schools that are now “Catholic in name only” because the majority of pupils and teachers belong to other faiths and none.
To read this article in full, go to to telegraph.co.uk