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RE: A new member. A Catholic school teacher.
February 23, 2014 at 6:24 pm
(February 23, 2014 at 6:01 pm)Mr. Moncrieff Wrote: Well, I have finally finished the letter that I will hand in tomorrow morning. It states, clearly and with intent, that my religious beliefs have altered to such an extent that I find it a matter of personal and professional integrity and duty to inform the board of governors of such a matter.
I go on to suggest that, although I do not agree with the catechism and Catholic doctrine, I am prepared to teach such material with respect until there comes a time in the immediate future when I can leave the school and continue my career in a secular setting.
I have requested that the board offer me a full meeting to further discuss the letter if they see fit and guarantee that my answers will be provided with clarity and honesty.
All I can do is be fair. It is the only way I can hope to be treated fairly.
It is now a matter of waiting for a response and continuing to look for a job elsewhere in order that both parties can come to an amicable solution.
I am nervous. Very nervous.
You couldn't handle this with more decency and integrity than you are. I hope the board is mindful of your worth and at least offer to keep you on. Whatever the outcome, someone's child will get a hell of a good teacher out of this. Best of luck!
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RE: A new member. A Catholic school teacher.
February 23, 2014 at 6:25 pm
It's still great that you are making your new beliefs known. Change only comes about when a voice can be heard.
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RE: A new member. A Catholic school teacher.
February 23, 2014 at 6:44 pm
(February 23, 2014 at 6:01 pm)Mr. Moncrieff Wrote: Well, I have finally finished the letter that I will hand in tomorrow morning. It states, clearly and with intent, that my religious beliefs have altered to such an extent that I find it a matter of personal and professional integrity and duty to inform the board of governors of such a matter.
I go on to suggest that, although I do not agree with the catechism and Catholic doctrine, I am prepared to teach such material with respect until there comes a time in the immediate future when I can leave the school and continue my career in a secular setting.
I have requested that the board offer me a full meeting to further discuss the letter if they see fit and guarantee that my answers will be provided with clarity and honesty.
All I can do is be fair. It is the only way I can hope to be treated fairly.
It is now a matter of waiting for a response and continuing to look for a job elsewhere in order that both parties can come to an amicable solution.
I am nervous. Very nervous.
Though I disagree with your views on God I do respect your honesty and integrity. Even though you probably don't see any value in it, I'll still pray that all goes well for you.
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RE: A new member. A Catholic school teacher.
February 23, 2014 at 6:45 pm
(February 23, 2014 at 6:44 pm)Lek Wrote: Though I disagree with your views on God I do respect your honesty and integrity. Even though you probably don't see any value in it, I'll still pray that all goes well for you.
Somehow it feels as if telling someone that you are going to pray for them doesn't seem very respectful in the least.
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RE: A new member. A Catholic school teacher.
February 23, 2014 at 6:58 pm
Ah prayer. How to do nothing and still feel like you're helping.
Everything I needed to know about life I learned on Dagobah.
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RE: A new member. A Catholic school teacher.
February 23, 2014 at 7:07 pm
(February 23, 2014 at 6:01 pm)Mr. Moncrieff Wrote: Well, I have finally finished the letter that I will hand in tomorrow morning. It states, clearly and with intent, that my religious beliefs have altered to such an extent that I find it a matter of personal and professional integrity and duty to inform the board of governors of such a matter.
I go on to suggest that, although I do not agree with the catechism and Catholic doctrine, I am prepared to teach such material with respect until there comes a time in the immediate future when I can leave the school and continue my career in a secular setting.
I have requested that the board offer me a full meeting to further discuss the letter if they see fit and guarantee that my answers will be provided with clarity and honesty.
All I can do is be fair. It is the only way I can hope to be treated fairly.
It is now a matter of waiting for a response and continuing to look for a job elsewhere in order that both parties can come to an amicable solution.
I am nervous. Very nervous.
I can see why. Catholics are not known for their amicability.
Not that the protestants were any better.
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RE: A new member. A Catholic school teacher.
February 24, 2014 at 1:26 am
(February 23, 2014 at 7:07 pm)Minimalist Wrote: Not that the protestants were any better.
These days, the Catholics are the more liberal of the two.
Relatively speaking, of course.
Atheist Forums Hall of Shame:
"The trinity can be equated to having your cake and eating it too."
... -Lucent, trying to defend the Trinity concept
"(Yahweh's) actions are good because (Yahweh) is the ultimate standard of goodness. That’s not begging the question"
... -Statler Waldorf, Christian apologist
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RE: A new member. A Catholic school teacher.
February 24, 2014 at 2:37 am
All the best!
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RE: A new member. A Catholic school teacher.
February 24, 2014 at 2:52 am
(February 24, 2014 at 1:26 am)DeistPaladin Wrote: (February 23, 2014 at 7:07 pm)Minimalist Wrote: Not that the protestants were any better.
These days, the Catholics are the more liberal of the two.
Relatively speaking, of course.
protestantism has a BIG range. mainstream protestantism (Episcopalian, Lutheran,Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregationalist) is more liberal Than Roman Catholicism. Baptists, Pentecostals and 'free' churches are less liberal.
Some may call them junk, I call them treasures.
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RE: A new member. A Catholic school teacher.
February 24, 2014 at 1:48 pm
I handed my letter in this morning. The headteacher came to see me before I left this evening and spoke quite candidly with me. The dialogue was generally quite constructive and he was appreciative that beliefs will develop. He was adamant that I should take part in sessions to reconcile myself with the church, but I politely refused and asked him not to further pursue that line.
He was less than satisfied with this, rather insistent that it was simply a phase I was going through and that I could find a middle ground. He was very supportive, insomuch as he made it plainly clear that he wanted to retain my employment status within the school and considered me a vital part of the staff.
However, he was noncommittal as to whether this would be the case should I refuse to attend the classes - I rather supposed it would not be the case, judging by his rhetoric and so I made that known.
He nodded in reply.
So basically, I attempt to reconcile myself with the church or my employment will be rather tenuous. I have informed him that I am seeking employment in a secular school and that I will uphold whatever duties he would demand with integrity and respect in the meantime. I am true to my word.
In summary, it looks as though I am moving on and going out with somewhat of a whimper. It is only a matter of time before colleagues become aware and start asking questions, but I have respectfully requested that this should not be a matter of public knowledge.
It remains to be seen if that will be respected.
I am rather crestfallen, to be frank.
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