Oklahoma to reconsider bible classes in public schools

Oklahoma Senator Kyle Loveless plans to present a bill that would allow the state's oft-debated public school Bible classes to become a reality. 

Loveless' plan offers the class as an elective course in the hopes that the classification will shield districts from litigation. 

The curriculum has had a contentious history in the state over the past year. 

Museum of the Bible Chairman Dr. Jerry Pattengale and Hobby Lobby President Steve Green developed the course to coincide with the museum, which will open in Washington D.C. in 2017.

Mustang Public Schools in Mustang, Oklahoma unanimously approved the Bible course in April, and the curriculum was scheduled to begin in August.  

The launch was eventually pushed back to January 2015, then cancelled altogether after complaints from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) and the ACLU.

"The topic of a Bible course in the Mustang School District is no longer a discussion item nor is there a plan to provide such a course in the foreseeable future," Superintendent Sean McDaniel informed the FFRF in a November email.

After the cancellation, Pattengale and Green announced plans to move forward with Bible curricula in other school districts that have expressed interest in the course.

"We understand Mustang's decision to withdraw the new, elective Bible course from consideration," Pattengale said in a statement.

"Museum of the Bible remains committed to providing an elective high school Bible curriculum and continues work on an innovative, high-tech course that will provide students and teachers with a scholarly overview of the Bible's history, narrative and impact."

Sen. Loveless said that 200 students signed up for just 20 classroom slots before the cancellation, and hoped to have the issue on the next ballot. 

"Basically, it would give school districts flexibility to -- if they wanted -- to offer this class as an elective, [and] they would have protection from lawsuits," he told Fox News. Loveless emphasised that the course was not meant to proselytise, but to teach the Bible's history. 

News
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'

Reform MP Danny Kruger has spoken of the need for Britain to once more assert itself as a  country with a long and rich Christian Heritage.

400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions
400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions

Sex selective abortions appear to be taking place within the Indian community, data suggests.

Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity
Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity

Community pantries across the UK have recorded their one millionth visit, as new research suggests the membership-based food model is helping thousands of households reduce food insecurity, cut costs and prevent them from falling into extreme hardship.

Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India
Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India

India has witnessed a blend of joyful Christmas celebrations in many parts of the country, alongside reports of hate, hostility, and attacks on Christians this season, particularly in northern and central regions.