Watch What You Sing At School

The Swiss, who spoke so eloquently on minarets, are following the fold on the issue of Christmas carols in the schools. At least in Zurich. François Desouche (using German-language sources) has this report about the specific occurrence of a trend throughout the Western world:

Shortly before Christmas, the Department of Public Education of the canton of Zurich issued a directive advising against "activities and songs with a religious content" in the public schools, on grounds that children of other belief systems must not be offended.

According to Regine Aeppli, the Socialist superintendent of public schools, it is not a question of the schools celebrating Christmas without Jesus: "It is simply a notice that aims to induce respect for the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution." Nevertheless, it was clearly stated in the official text of the directive, by way of example, that songs in which Jesus is named as the son of God must not be sung.

The directive has aroused a tempest of protest against the "selling off of the Swiss identity":

"These songs are a part of European culture and do not need to be justified. Whether or not one is a believer is not important. Our culture is Christian."

"And the Swiss cross. Should we ban it? It surely must offend the feelings of other religions."

François Desouche points to one reader's comment:

"For decades, in Europe, the proportion of atheists has been higher than that of practicing Christians. And nobody was concerned, in all that time, about wounding the feelings of all these people during the Christmas season..."

The interesting photo below, cited in one of the comments to the FDS article, is from E-Deo. It shows a group of Catholics in front of the Sacré-Coeur in Paris, with a banner that reads:

The Republic is "laïque". France is Catholic. Merry Christmas.

Reminder: "Laïque" in French refers to separation of Church and State. There is now, in view of current crises, a stronger-than-ever distinction between the Republic, and France.

I wish more Catholics would fight back. But so many people say they are Catholic without having enough interest in the fate of France to actually take an open stand against either Islam or those who want no religion at all.