Row breaks out as Diocese of Portsmouth plans to convert Havant schoolchildren to Christianity

The Anglican Diocese of Portsmouth is currently advertising for a ‘Pioneer Youth Worker’ to be installed at the non-religious Park Community School, in Middle Park Way, Havant.

The full-time job aims to enable “growth in disciples of Christ by number and depth” by “growing a new worshipping community” at the school.

This involves a weekly prayer space for Year 7s, dedicated drop-in times for reflection, support for collective worship, and a presence in the playground at break times.

The successful applicant will also deliver “worship activity” within the school day and “provide links” between the school and the church congregation.

The position’s objectives include converting 60 pupils aged 11 to 16 into worshippers, increasing Sunday attendance at the local St Francis Church by 50, and holding baptisms and confirmation classes for children.

Applicants for the post must be “practising Christians,” and it is “expected” the role-holder will “already be or will become” an “active member” of an Anglican church within the Diocese of Portsmouth.

The role is intended to last five years with an annual salary of around £33,000 to £34,000.

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But campaigners at the National Secular Society (NSS) said they had raised concerns about the job advert with Hampshire County Council which allegedly said it would “look into” the listing.

The school’s headteacher Chris Anders called the initiative an “exciting opportunity” to “work with the local church” and to have a worker “embedded in the school and sharing in school life”.

In a letter to the council, the NSS said it was “entirely inappropriate” for the Church of England to use a nonreligious school for evangelism.

The NSS said attempting to convert children at school is incompatible with equality and the human rights of children and parents.

Headteacher Chris Anders said the initiative is an “exciting opportunity” to “work with the local church” and to have a worker “embedded in the school and sharing in school life”.

National Secular Society spokesperson Jack Rivington said: “This is yet another example of the Church of England’s efforts to use our education system as a mission field.

“Children are entitled to education without having the Church’s doctrine pushed on them. Community schools should be equally welcoming to all pupils, families and staff, irrespective of religion or belief. Letting those with an evangelical agenda access children will alienate children and families who have no interest in Christianity.

“The decision by school leadership to promote the objectives of the Church of England by opening their school up as a recruitment ground is deeply alarming, and infringes on the rights of children and families. Hampshire County Council should investigate as a matter of urgency.”

In response to the concerns, Hampshire County Council said the project is mutually agreed arrangement between the school and the diocese and as such “is a local matter for these parties”.

A Hampshire County Council spokesperson said: “Schools are accountable to governing boards and the county council has no role in directing their day-to-day activities.”

The Diocese of Portsmouth said that despite understanding the NSS concerns, no pupils or staff members “would be forced to take part in these activities, and no one would be asked to ‘convert’.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Portsmouth said: “This youth worker would be employed by the Diocese of Portsmouth and work in a pastoral and mentoring role within Park Community School – similar to existing chaplaincy work in many schools, hospitals, universities and workplaces.

“This person would also offer voluntary worship activities, consistent with acts of collective worship that are mandatory in every state school. There may also be voluntary ‘Christian Union’-style lunchtime or after-school activities that would bring together those interested in the Christian faith.

“No pupils or staff members would be forced to take part in these activities, and no one would be asked to ‘convert’. This is in line with the relevant legislation governing faith and community activities in schools.”