By CAROBOOTH
Updated: Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:08:53 UTC

My daughter's primary school is receiving a visit from the Rhema Theatre next month - they are a religious theatre group who perform Bible stories in schools across north west England. I checked their website to find out more about them and find their vision incredibly offensive:

Rhema’s Vision

“The spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” Isaiah 61v1

Rhema in Churches was formed to encourage Christians in their faith and see them released into greater freedom. By enacting the Bible with a timeless feel we want to show Bible characters and situations as real as us and ours today.

Rhema in Schools was formed to bring freedom to the Primary age-group by linking in with the RE, Citizenship and PSHE curricula. Through theatre Rhema seeks to help young people make good and right decisions in their lives and to proclaim ‘good news’ to these young lives.

I contacted the school to ask why this group has been invited into school, but was merely reminded of my right to remove my child from the performance.

I've also contacted Rhema to ask them for their definition of freedom and also to state who or what they are aiming to free the primary age group from. Somewhat unsurpisingly, I've yet to receive a response from them.

Has anyone had experience of Rhema in Schools (or similar groups)? Has anyone successfully challenged their suitability to supplement religious education when they have such a blatant missionary goal?

Many thanks

Caroline

TAGGED: CHILDREN, EDUCATION, RELIGION