More schools OK religion-study time

While supporters say the program is fair and constitutional, opponents think its views are sometimes contrary to public school curriculum

Web posted June 29, 1998

Associated Press

COLUMBIA -- More South Carolina public school students are finding time for religious study during their school day.

At least 14 South Carolina public schools offer religion classes through a program called Released Time, where parents give their children permission to leave campus for religious education.

While supporters say the program is fair and constitutional, opponents think its views are sometimes contrary to public school curriculum and can create conflict between students of different faiths.

A program has operated in Lexington School District 2 since January. This month, Lexington School District 1 voted to approve Released Time.

``Our vision is to take the Released Time concept to the school districts around the Midlands,'' said Roger Blankenship, executive director of Christian Learning Centers, who teaches the classes.

However, Pastor Reggie Cruse of St. John's Lutheran Church near Lexington sees the program as ``a bunch of fundamentalists trying to recruit our kids,'' he said.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Released Time constitutional in 1952. The court said no public money could be used for religious classes and no one could be forced to attend, among other rules.

Released Time came to South Carolina in 1992 in Ware Shoals and has caused no controversy there.

Richland School District 2 voted down Released Time because of the loss of instructional time. However, Lexington District 2 started the plan in January in a portable classroom next to Busbee Middle School in Cayce.

``My life's aspiration is to teach the word of God,'' said Mr. Blankenship, a former youth minister.

Joshua Rabon, who'll start eighth-grade this fall at Busbee Middle School, took the Released Time class last year.

``We usually watched videos about Jesus and stuff,'' he said. ``Some days, you just sat there, and if you're a churchgoer, you're like, `Duh.' Other days, you learn stuff.''