Although this is a very controversial topic, I strongly side with Brother Rice school president John Birney. Catholics should not discriminate. One thing that really struck me when hearing about this story is the timing. Why did the muslim students at Brother Rice just ask for a sacred room to pray? Why did they not ask for this a long time ago? I would think they would have asked during the first couple of days of school, but with everything going on in the world, they ask now. This worries me, but I still believe they have a right to a prayer room.
I agree/disagree with Mary and yes this is a very controversial topic. I can see where the concern is coming from considering Brother Rice is a catholic environment where students learn it and practice it daily, but Catholic's are specifically known for having no discrimination against others. Honestly what kind of Catholic's would we be if turned away a student that wants the culture and academics Brother Rice has to offer but can't go there strictly based off the religion he practices and all the speculation the media creates regarding his religion. I think parents who are concerned about this should only worry unless this was actually harming the students or the learning environment but it is not. Acceptance is the key hear and children learn from their parents how are we ever going to accept the Muslim culture if we can't even let them pray at local school. This issue goes beyond just letting them pray we need to start accepting people or the world can come and even worse segregated place.
As a Catholic community, it is hypocritical to say that we are welcoming of all faiths yet parents at Brother Rice are angered by Muslim religious traditions. There are a few key points to this story that show parents have no reason to react the way that they did. First, this prayer room used by Muslims is actually open to any denomination. Anyone can enter the space to pray or have a moment of silence, so Brother Rice is not showing favoritism to Muslims, but rather, being respectful of other faith traditions. Second, having a parent say, “her child's paid religious education would be "undermined” is an illogical statement. Non-Catholic students at Brother Rice are still required to take the religion classes necessary for all students. Everyone must take the religion courses, and rather than undermining other students’ educations, non-Catholic students are respecting the Catholic faith and complying with the school’s guidelines. All students are taking religion courses and receiving a better understanding and appreciation of Catholicism. Third, the Muslim students are praying in a quiet space in the school away from other students, so in reality, no one should be affected by their faith practice. I understand why some parents would be concerned, but when looking at all the facts, parents should be content that Brother Rice is doing its best to respect other denominations while still upholding its Catholic values.
I believe that Brother Rice's prayer room should stay in place. Although I see the points made by the angry parents, Catholics are supposed to be tolerant of other faiths and traditions. One of their arguments was that the Catholic students' eduction is "undermined" by this prayer room. Actually, if it affects it at all, it is emphasizing the Church teaching of tolerance and acceptance. It does not hurt the other students' learning experiences. Another student leaving class does not hurt a student's ability to learn. This prayer room has been available for many years and parents knew about it when they sent their sons to this private institution. It is only a problem for them now because of the recent issues involving Muslims around the world. It is the policy of this private institution to allow students of any religion a place to pray. It is not discriminatory towards any religion and if the parents do not agree with this policy, there are other area Catholic high schools they can send their sons to. The President said that they have received no complaints from any students about the prayer room. This shows that it does not inhibit or lessen the students' experience at the school.
When I first heard about this, I was disgusted. I firmly believe that Brother Rice's prayer room needs to stay. One of the main arguments that the parents had about the prayer room was that it was undermining their children's Catholic education. How is a prayer room for Muslim and other religious students taking away from their children's education? I think that this argument is ridiculous. A student could walk out of class and use that prayer room. They could also use it before or after school. That is in no way shape or form hurting their children's education. Those students that are a different religion still go to Brother Rice and take the Catholic religion classes because they are required to. They respect those classes, even though it does not pertain to them. Brother Rice has had this prayer room for quite some time now. I think that these parents want this prayer room gone, solely based on the recent issues involving Muslims in our world today. Also, no students have come forward with any complaints about the prayer room, only the parents have. In fact, the kids that go to Brother Rice are speaking out against the parents that are trying to take the prayer room away. Imagine how Muslim and other religious students must feel after hearing about this. The Catholic faith is all about accepting and welcoming everyone. That is exactly what Brother Rice is doing by having this prayer room. If anyone is acting "un-Catholic" it is the parents that are complaining.
I personally believe the prayer room in Brother Rice has a right to stay and be used by all students who may wish at this Catholic High School. How is it endangering the other students education? If they are that worried about it, they can turn their back or choose to NOT use it. As Catholics, we should not discriminate, we should accept everyone. I believe it is odd that these students have suddenly asked to use it, but I don't think there is anything wrong with it. Why is a parent complaining if they aren't even there to witness it? I don't understand. I'm sorry, but most mom's at these surrounding Catholic schools are stuck up and need to step down off of their pedestal. Catholic Schools accept everyone no matter what race or religion they are; if a parent doesn't like that, they should probably home school their child because all schools around us are filled with students of every different race, religion, and beliefs.
I agree/disagree with the views of Brother Rice's president, John Birney. Although is Catholic and i understand why some views state that Muslims should not honor their religion visibly on school grounds, i also think that it is not right to tell them they need to conform to the Catholic standards. Like Makenzie said, as Catholics we are expected to accept everyone. Not that we need to agree with the Muslim religion or involve ourselves in any way in it, but we should be able to respect the views of others. On the other side of this, these Muslims did make the decision to go to Brother Rice, knowing that is it a Catholic school. With this said, they should not complain that the school does not meet the Muslim requirements that they want. If they do not agree with the way Brother Rice runs, they are free to switch to a different school.
I am wholeheartedly on brother rices side of this issue. For one thing, this room is being labeled as the Muslim prayer room when in reality it is a neutral prayer for anyone who may want somewhere to go and worship. I think that it is actually very respectful of other religions, which as Catholics we are called to be, for brother rice to do. Also, these students still have to take the catholic religion classes, attend mass, and all other catholic obligations of brother rice. Why can they not spend 20 minutes of lunch or free hour in worship of their God. Furthermore, I wonder at this becoming such a big issue now. This room has been there for a long time, I believe I heard 8 years, and never have parents had an issue with it. The fact that it is being brought up at a time when islamophobia is at an all time high makes me wonder if that is the for reason for it being an issue. The fact that Muslims are attending a catholic school and being respected! That shouldn't be allowed! Of course this is false, and I hope that the parents will come to realize this and come to understand the importance in respect of all religions.
I find this issue repulsive honestly. The thing that probably makes the me the most upset is that in a way, it has nothing to do with the students. This is what I mean by that. The controversies that arose from this where caused by the parents. The parents "expressed" their concern, when none of the students at Brother Rice were perfectly ok with having this happen and didn't discriminate against them. Also, as much as I would really not like to say this, it's the people who have money and are big donors that are really making this a lot bigger of a deal then it's supposed to be, because is they don't do anything and a donor doesn't agree with what's happening, they risk having that donor leave, so it hasn't even become about whats right and wrong, rather, how to try to please people and keep the people that help the school.
Hearing that parents are complaining about a Muslim prayer room in Brother Rice in completely outrageous. The young men who worship in this prayer room conform to the Catholic rules of Brother Rice. They do not disrupt the values or teachings Brother Rice offers based on the Catholic faith. I am appalled these parents had the audacity to complain over something that does not affect them. We should all respect other people’s religious beliefs. I believe this is correlating to the uprising on terrorism in the world. I do not understand how this was not a problem before terrorism became a growing threat to the U.S. It sickens me how a particular religion is being characterized and discriminated by a stereotype.
This topic is something that was discussed in my own household. I have a brother who is a sophomore at Brother Rice, and he came home from school one day saying, "Mom, people from the News were at our school today!" My mom asked for details, and my brother seemed just as taken off guard as we were. I can visualize why some parents would be upset with a prayer room for other religions. The parents are paying for a Catholic education, so they feel that Catholicism is what should be taught and enforced. I completely disagree with these angry parents, and my parents disagree, too. I cannot speak for all parents, but my parents pay for the Brother Rice and Marian tuition because they believe in the lessons and teachings of Catholicism. One of those main teachings is that we are called to love and respect all of creation, whether we dislike it or love it. As Catholics, we should be accepting and welcoming to those Muslim students, especially since this issue is over a prayer room, for goodness sakes! It is disappointing that parents cannot find enough love in their heart to be accepting of the Muslim students. I thought that the president of the school handled this situation very well.
I agree and disagree with President Birney of Brother Rice High School. Although Brother Rice is a Catholic school, I do think that people of the Muslim have a right to practice their religion freely in a private area. Being people of the Catholic religion, we are taught to accept everyone no matter their race or religion. From the other side of the situation, Muslims did make the decision to go to Brother Rice, knowing that is it a Catholic school. If they aren’t happy that Brother Rice doesn’t meet the Muslim religion requirements, then they should be asked to leave. It is a CATHOLIC school, therefore they are only technically supposed to provide for the Catholic religion.
This story caught my attention when it was first released. Going Marian, I do not understand the parent's concern with the "Muslim prayer room." It was not specified for Muslims, but more as a place for people to go and practice their own personal beliefs. As Catholics, we are both taught and encouraged to accept other people, no matter the color of their skin or the religion they practice. The parents who complained should be ashamed that they turned this into a huge issue. The president of Brother Rice handled the situation appropriately, hoping to make all students and parents feel comfortable.
This is an interesting topic with many sides to the argument. I personally don't have a problem with there being a prayer room at a Catholic school. If a family that is not catholic wants to sent their child to a Catholic school that is up to them, I don't think they should be able to demand special treatment but if Brother Rice wants to set a room apart for them to practice freely then i totally respect that. As Kelly said, one of the number one things the Catholic religion teaches us is to accept all and take in everyone and that is exactly what Brother Rice is doing. They aren't discriminating or judging upon race or religion and the fact that some parents are complaining about this is ridiculous and they are setting a bad examples. I think that if providing other religions with another room for them to practice their religion is totally fine as long as it isn't negatively effecting the education of any of the students.
Well, I find this issue repulsive honestly. What makes the me the most upset is that in a way, it has nothing to do with the students. The controversies that arose from this where caused by the parents. The parents "expressed" their concern, when all of the students at Brother Rice were perfectly ok with having this happen and didn't discriminate against them. Also, as much as I would really not like to say this, it's the people who have money and are big donors that are really making this a lot bigger of a deal then it's supposed to be, because is they don't do anything and a donor doesn't agree with what's happening, they risk having that donor leave, so it hasn't even become about whats right and wrong, rather, how to try to please people and keep the people that help the school.
I believe that this topic is controversial for a couple reasons. First, the majority of individuals that use the prayer room are of the muslim faith. After 9/11, America experienced heightened tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims. If the majority of individuals using the room were Buddhist, Hindu, or another faith, I feel like this issue would not have been blown as far out of proportion. Second, recent events linked with ISIS have reincited the fears that were raised after 9/11, which probably has drawn the parents to further blow this out of proportion. This also should not be an issue because the students still have to conform to the Catholic curriculum. The students understand that attending Brother Rice requires them to attend a Catholic religion class and abide by the core virtues of the Christian religion. The availability of a nondenominational prayer room does not change the Catholic nature of the school. Instead, it allows the students to fulfill the requirements of their faith, while abiding by the Catholic atmosphere of the school.
If you notice, the article only mentions that this is only a bother to the adults. As students, all the students see each other for who they are not their religion. The prayer room is for any religion, not just the Muslims. Most fail to see that. They students go into Brother Rice with the full knowledge that they will have to attend a religion class and they will receive a Catholic school education. They do not try to change that. As a Catholic, we are taught to be accepting of everyone, yet this is a clear example of hypocrisy. I believe these so called comments from the parents are a direct response to the recent fear that has been struck into the hearts of most Americans. The fear of Muslims is directly displayed here, except it is disguised behind “concern for a religious institution.”
This is a topic that can go many ways. I actually don't have a problem with there being a prayer room at a Catholic school. Also, the catholic religion says to accept all people and all religions from any group. I also agree with what Kelly said, one of the number one things the Catholic religion teaches us is to accept all and take in everyone and that is exactly what Brother Rice is doing. One of those main teachings is that we are called to love and respect all of creation, whether we hate it or love it. As Catholics, we should be accepting and welcoming to those Muslim students and any other students, especially since this is over a prayer room!
This topic is very controversial because it can go both ways. On one hand, Catholics are taught to not discriminate against anyone no matter their race or religion. On the other hand, it is called a catholic school for a reason, parents pay for their children to be around a catholic environment, and having a special prayer place for Muslims isn't exactly catholic surroundings. In my opinion, I think that if the students at brother rice do not mind, then why make is controversial? I get parents are raising questions of concern, but the parents do not attend Brother Rice High School, their children do. So if it is not affecting their childrens catholic understanding of faith and education, then why make it such a big deal. Parents have to realize that not just catholic student attend the high school, many people who practice different religions attend as well. Brother Rice is practicing the most important part of a catholic religion, accepting everyone and to never discriminate.
personally, I don't understand why this is an issue. The parents are concerned because Muslims are allowed a prayer room in a Catholic school, yet this discrimination is going against the Catholic beliefs they are trying to protect. I would understand if non-Catholic students weren't conforming to the religious curriculum. In the situation at hand, the students are abiding to everything Brother Rice has asked of them. It only makes sense to reciprocate with equal kindness. The existence of a prayer room in no way effects other students education and that is shown by the lack of complaints made by students. I think this issue is ridiculous.
Although this is a very controversial topic, I strongly side with Brother Rice school president John Birney. Catholics should not discriminate. One thing that really struck me when hearing about this story is the timing. Why did the muslim students at Brother Rice just ask for a sacred room to pray? Why did they not ask for this a long time ago? I would think they would have asked during the first couple of days of school, but with everything going on in the world, they ask now. This worries me, but I still believe they have a right to a prayer room.
ReplyDeleteI agree/disagree with Mary and yes this is a very controversial topic. I can see where the concern is coming from considering Brother Rice is a catholic environment where students learn it and practice it daily, but Catholic's are specifically known for having no discrimination against others. Honestly what kind of Catholic's would we be if turned away a student that wants the culture and academics Brother Rice has to offer but can't go there strictly based off the religion he practices and all the speculation the media creates regarding his religion. I think parents who are concerned about this should only worry unless this was actually harming the students or the learning environment but it is not. Acceptance is the key hear and children learn from their parents how are we ever going to accept the Muslim culture if we can't even let them pray at local school. This issue goes beyond just letting them pray we need to start accepting people or the world can come and even worse segregated place.
ReplyDeleteAs a Catholic community, it is hypocritical to say that we are welcoming of all faiths yet parents at Brother Rice are angered by Muslim religious traditions. There are a few key points to this story that show parents have no reason to react the way that they did. First, this prayer room used by Muslims is actually open to any denomination. Anyone can enter the space to pray or have a moment of silence, so Brother Rice is not showing favoritism to Muslims, but rather, being respectful of other faith traditions. Second, having a parent say, “her child's paid religious education would be "undermined” is an illogical statement. Non-Catholic students at Brother Rice are still required to take the religion classes necessary for all students. Everyone must take the religion courses, and rather than undermining other students’ educations, non-Catholic students are respecting the Catholic faith and complying with the school’s guidelines. All students are taking religion courses and receiving a better understanding and appreciation of Catholicism. Third, the Muslim students are praying in a quiet space in the school away from other students, so in reality, no one should be affected by their faith practice. I understand why some parents would be concerned, but when looking at all the facts, parents should be content that Brother Rice is doing its best to respect other denominations while still upholding its Catholic values.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Brother Rice's prayer room should stay in place. Although I see the points made by the angry parents, Catholics are supposed to be tolerant of other faiths and traditions. One of their arguments was that the Catholic students' eduction is "undermined" by this prayer room. Actually, if it affects it at all, it is emphasizing the Church teaching of tolerance and acceptance. It does not hurt the other students' learning experiences. Another student leaving class does not hurt a student's ability to learn. This prayer room has been available for many years and parents knew about it when they sent their sons to this private institution. It is only a problem for them now because of the recent issues involving Muslims around the world. It is the policy of this private institution to allow students of any religion a place to pray. It is not discriminatory towards any religion and if the parents do not agree with this policy, there are other area Catholic high schools they can send their sons to. The President said that they have received no complaints from any students about the prayer room. This shows that it does not inhibit or lessen the students' experience at the school.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first heard about this, I was disgusted. I firmly believe that Brother Rice's prayer room needs to stay. One of the main arguments that the parents had about the prayer room was that it was undermining their children's Catholic education. How is a prayer room for Muslim and other religious students taking away from their children's education? I think that this argument is ridiculous. A student could walk out of class and use that prayer room. They could also use it before or after school. That is in no way shape or form hurting their children's education. Those students that are a different religion still go to Brother Rice and take the Catholic religion classes because they are required to. They respect those classes, even though it does not pertain to them. Brother Rice has had this prayer room for quite some time now. I think that these parents want this prayer room gone, solely based on the recent issues involving Muslims in our world today. Also, no students have come forward with any complaints about the prayer room, only the parents have. In fact, the kids that go to Brother Rice are speaking out against the parents that are trying to take the prayer room away. Imagine how Muslim and other religious students must feel after hearing about this. The Catholic faith is all about accepting and welcoming everyone. That is exactly what Brother Rice is doing by having this prayer room. If anyone is acting "un-Catholic" it is the parents that are complaining.
ReplyDeleteI personally believe the prayer room in Brother Rice has a right to stay and be used by all students who may wish at this Catholic High School. How is it endangering the other students education? If they are that worried about it, they can turn their back or choose to NOT use it. As Catholics, we should not discriminate, we should accept everyone. I believe it is odd that these students have suddenly asked to use it, but I don't think there is anything wrong with it. Why is a parent complaining if they aren't even there to witness it? I don't understand. I'm sorry, but most mom's at these surrounding Catholic schools are stuck up and need to step down off of their pedestal. Catholic Schools accept everyone no matter what race or religion they are; if a parent doesn't like that, they should probably home school their child because all schools around us are filled with students of every different race, religion, and beliefs.
ReplyDeleteI agree/disagree with the views of Brother Rice's president, John Birney. Although is Catholic and i understand why some views state that Muslims should not honor their religion visibly on school grounds, i also think that it is not right to tell them they need to conform to the Catholic standards. Like Makenzie said, as Catholics we are expected to accept everyone. Not that we need to agree with the Muslim religion or involve ourselves in any way in it, but we should be able to respect the views of others.
ReplyDeleteOn the other side of this, these Muslims did make the decision to go to Brother Rice, knowing that is it a Catholic school. With this said, they should not complain that the school does not meet the Muslim requirements that they want. If they do not agree with the way Brother Rice runs, they are free to switch to a different school.
I am wholeheartedly on brother rices side of this issue. For one thing, this room is being labeled as the Muslim prayer room when in reality it is a neutral prayer for anyone who may want somewhere to go and worship. I think that it is actually very respectful of other religions, which as Catholics we are called to be, for brother rice to do. Also, these students still have to take the catholic religion classes, attend mass, and all other catholic obligations of brother rice. Why can they not spend 20 minutes of lunch or free hour in worship of their God. Furthermore, I wonder at this becoming such a big issue now. This room has been there for a long time, I believe I heard 8 years, and never have parents had an issue with it. The fact that it is being brought up at a time when islamophobia is at an all time high makes me wonder if that is the for reason for it being an issue. The fact that Muslims are attending a catholic school and being respected! That shouldn't be allowed! Of course this is false, and I hope that the parents will come to realize this and come to understand the importance in respect of all religions.
ReplyDeleteI find this issue repulsive honestly. The thing that probably makes the me the most upset is that in a way, it has nothing to do with the students. This is what I mean by that. The controversies that arose from this where caused by the parents. The parents "expressed" their concern, when none of the students at Brother Rice were perfectly ok with having this happen and didn't discriminate against them. Also, as much as I would really not like to say this, it's the people who have money and are big donors that are really making this a lot bigger of a deal then it's supposed to be, because is they don't do anything and a donor doesn't agree with what's happening, they risk having that donor leave, so it hasn't even become about whats right and wrong, rather, how to try to please people and keep the people that help the school.
ReplyDeleteHearing that parents are complaining about a Muslim prayer room in Brother Rice in completely outrageous. The young men who worship in this prayer room conform to the Catholic rules of Brother Rice. They do not disrupt the values or teachings Brother Rice offers based on the Catholic faith. I am appalled these parents had the audacity to complain over something that does not affect them. We should all respect other people’s religious beliefs. I believe this is correlating to the uprising on terrorism in the world. I do not understand how this was not a problem before terrorism became a growing threat to the U.S. It sickens me how a particular religion is being characterized and discriminated by a stereotype.
ReplyDeleteThis topic is something that was discussed in my own household. I have a brother who is a sophomore at Brother Rice, and he came home from school one day saying, "Mom, people from the News were at our school today!" My mom asked for details, and my brother seemed just as taken off guard as we were. I can visualize why some parents would be upset with a prayer room for other religions. The parents are paying for a Catholic education, so they feel that Catholicism is what should be taught and enforced. I completely disagree with these angry parents, and my parents disagree, too. I cannot speak for all parents, but my parents pay for the Brother Rice and Marian tuition because they believe in the lessons and teachings of Catholicism. One of those main teachings is that we are called to love and respect all of creation, whether we dislike it or love it. As Catholics, we should be accepting and welcoming to those Muslim students, especially since this issue is over a prayer room, for goodness sakes! It is disappointing that parents cannot find enough love in their heart to be accepting of the Muslim students. I thought that the president of the school handled this situation very well.
ReplyDeleteI agree and disagree with President Birney of Brother Rice High School. Although Brother Rice is a Catholic school, I do think that people of the Muslim have a right to practice their religion freely in a private area. Being people of the Catholic religion, we are taught to accept everyone no matter their race or religion.
ReplyDeleteFrom the other side of the situation, Muslims did make the decision to go to Brother Rice, knowing that is it a Catholic school. If they aren’t happy that Brother Rice doesn’t meet the Muslim religion requirements, then they should be asked to leave. It is a CATHOLIC school, therefore they are only technically supposed to provide for the Catholic religion.
This story caught my attention when it was first released. Going Marian, I do not understand the parent's concern with the "Muslim prayer room." It was not specified for Muslims, but more as a place for people to go and practice their own personal beliefs. As Catholics, we are both taught and encouraged to accept other people, no matter the color of their skin or the religion they practice. The parents who complained should be ashamed that they turned this into a huge issue. The president of Brother Rice handled the situation appropriately, hoping to make all students and parents feel comfortable.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting topic with many sides to the argument. I personally don't have a problem with there being a prayer room at a Catholic school. If a family that is not catholic wants to sent their child to a Catholic school that is up to them, I don't think they should be able to demand special treatment but if Brother Rice wants to set a room apart for them to practice freely then i totally respect that. As Kelly said, one of the number one things the Catholic religion teaches us is to accept all and take in everyone and that is exactly what Brother Rice is doing. They aren't discriminating or judging upon race or religion and the fact that some parents are complaining about this is ridiculous and they are setting a bad examples. I think that if providing other religions with another room for them to practice their religion is totally fine as long as it isn't negatively effecting the education of any of the students.
ReplyDeleteWell, I find this issue repulsive honestly. What makes the me the most upset is that in a way, it has nothing to do with the students. The controversies that arose from this where caused by the parents. The parents "expressed" their concern, when all of the students at Brother Rice were perfectly ok with having this happen and didn't discriminate against them. Also, as much as I would really not like to say this, it's the people who have money and are big donors that are really making this a lot bigger of a deal then it's supposed to be, because is they don't do anything and a donor doesn't agree with what's happening, they risk having that donor leave, so it hasn't even become about whats right and wrong, rather, how to try to please people and keep the people that help the school.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this topic is controversial for a couple reasons. First, the majority of individuals that use the prayer room are of the muslim faith. After 9/11, America experienced heightened tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims. If the majority of individuals using the room were Buddhist, Hindu, or another faith, I feel like this issue would not have been blown as far out of proportion. Second, recent events linked with ISIS have reincited the fears that were raised after 9/11, which probably has drawn the parents to further blow this out of proportion. This also should not be an issue because the students still have to conform to the Catholic curriculum. The students understand that attending Brother Rice requires them to attend a Catholic religion class and abide by the core virtues of the Christian religion. The availability of a nondenominational prayer room does not change the Catholic nature of the school. Instead, it allows the students to fulfill the requirements of their faith, while abiding by the Catholic atmosphere of the school.
ReplyDeleteIf you notice, the article only mentions that this is only a bother to the adults. As students, all the students see each other for who they are not their religion. The prayer room is for any religion, not just the Muslims. Most fail to see that. They students go into Brother Rice with the full knowledge that they will have to attend a religion class and they will receive a Catholic school education. They do not try to change that. As a Catholic, we are taught to be accepting of everyone, yet this is a clear example of hypocrisy. I believe these so called comments from the parents are a direct response to the recent fear that has been struck into the hearts of most Americans. The fear of Muslims is directly displayed here, except it is disguised behind “concern for a religious institution.”
ReplyDeleteThis is a topic that can go many ways. I actually don't have a problem with there being a prayer room at a Catholic school. Also, the catholic religion says to accept all people and all religions from any group. I also agree with what Kelly said, one of the number one things the Catholic religion teaches us is to accept all and take in everyone and that is exactly what Brother Rice is doing. One of those main teachings is that we are called to love and respect all of creation, whether we hate it or love it. As Catholics, we should be accepting and welcoming to those Muslim students and any other students, especially since this is over a prayer room!
ReplyDeleteThis topic is very controversial because it can go both ways. On one hand, Catholics are taught to not discriminate against anyone no matter their race or religion. On the other hand, it is called a catholic school for a reason, parents pay for their children to be around a catholic environment, and having a special prayer place for Muslims isn't exactly catholic surroundings. In my opinion, I think that if the students at brother rice do not mind, then why make is controversial? I get parents are raising questions of concern, but the parents do not attend Brother Rice High School, their children do. So if it is not affecting their childrens catholic understanding of faith and education, then why make it such a big deal. Parents have to realize that not just catholic student attend the high school, many people who practice different religions attend as well. Brother Rice is practicing the most important part of a catholic religion, accepting everyone and to never discriminate.
ReplyDeletepersonally, I don't understand why this is an issue. The parents are concerned because Muslims are allowed a prayer room in a Catholic school, yet this discrimination is going against the Catholic beliefs they are trying to protect. I would understand if non-Catholic students weren't conforming to the religious curriculum. In the situation at hand, the students are abiding to everything Brother Rice has asked of them. It only makes sense to reciprocate with equal kindness. The existence of a prayer room in no way effects other students education and that is shown by the lack of complaints made by students. I think this issue is ridiculous.
ReplyDelete