Calgary - The Calgary Board of Education is trying to determine what place religion has in schools, after a group of parents requested more religious instruction in the classroom.
"We know we are stepping into something quite controversial, but what we truly want to do is have the broad conversation, what is the role of religion in public education," trustee Pat Cochrane said.
The CBE has posted a survey on its website to gauge public opinion on what role religion should have in public schools.
Cochrane says the idea of religious instruction could range from informal, voluntary clubs to offering comparative religion courses.
Irving Hexham, a professor of religious studies at the University of Calgary, says there's nothing wrong with teaching about the world's religions, but cautioned the board must be careful not to alienate parents.
"If they approach it in the sense that they are trying to create converts, but no one is that stupid today," he said. "I think it's a great opportunity to foster understanding and it can be done very well."
Cochrane says a group of Christian parents approached the board, advocating that there be more religious instruction in schools. The board decided to ask Calgarians about their feelings on the issue.
"I couldn't call it pressure," Cochrane said. "We haven't experienced pressure. But lots of questions."