What steps do you take to accommodate people of other faiths?

[Batfink]

You can answer the question in general, if you like, I find it quite an interesting topic, but in particular I’m interested in 2 points:

1. I work in a Catholic school with a sizeable number of Muslim students (this is in the UK so it is also a state school). There is some debate amongst staff as to whether or not we should provide Halal meat at the school lunches. The Local Education Authority has a policy that all of its meat is halal so that’s what everyone eats, Muslim or not. Some of our staff are worried about the humane treatment of animals and would prefer that we served non-halal meat and effectively told the Muslim students to take the vegetarian option (obviously the Muslim pupils observe varying levels of strictness in relation to what they will and won’t eat, but most are happy with halal meat in an otherwise standard meal).
2. We also have a very large Jewish population close by. The community is very frum,(Charedi), and do not like to mix with Gentiles too much. However, I quite frequently come across them on the train and bus. What steps, if any, should I take to accommodate their beliefs? I am thinking particularly of the laws surrounding niddah, although I can’t think this could be accomplished without me announcing “Don’t sit here, I’m on my period!” or something equally ridiculous and unappealing to both sides!

Any thoughts?

 

[Sam_777]

The Local Education Authority has a policy that all of its meat is halal so that’s what everyone eats, Muslim or not. Some of our staff are worried about the humane treatment of animals and would prefer that we served non-halal meat and effectively told the Muslim students to take the vegetarian option (obviously the Muslim pupils observe varying levels of strictness in relation to what they will and won’t eat, but most are happy with halal meat in an otherwise standard meal).

Certainly the Vegetarian meal would be the best choice, but if those Muslims want meat then you can serve fish, since there is no “Halal” option for fish (i.e., all fish are Halal no matter whom fished them).

 

[Timothy17]

You can answer the question in general, if you like, I find it quite an interesting topic, but in particular I’m interested in 2 points:

1. I work in a Catholic school with a sizeable number of Muslim students (this is in the UK so it is also a state school). There is some debate amongst staff as to whether or not we should provide Halal meat at the school lunches. The Local Education Authority has a policy that all of its meat is halal so that’s what everyone eats, Muslim or not. Some of our staff are worried about the humane treatment of animals and would prefer that we served non-halal meat and effectively told the Muslim students to take the vegetarian option (obviously the Muslim pupils observe varying levels of strictness in relation to what they will and won’t eat, but most are happy with halal meat in an otherwise standard meal).
2. We also have a very large Jewish population close by. The community is very frum,(Charedi), and do not like to mix with Gentiles too much. However, I quite frequently come across them on the train and bus. What steps, if any, should I take to accommodate their beliefs? I am thinking particularly of the laws surrounding niddah, although I can’t think this could be accomplished without me announcing “Don’t sit here, I’m on my period!” or something equally ridiculous and unappealing to both sides!

Any thoughts?

It is incumbent upon us to remember that we are not to pay undue homage to the commandments of men, “Do not touch ! Do not eat !” But know at their core and substance these are but the traditions of men, which provide and produce only an illusion of holiness, purity, piety, godliness, etc. (e.g., "But your worship, I am a good, law abiding citizen ! I pay my taxes and obey all the road signs " (As if this were a defense for breaking some other law)). That being said, we are also tempered not to make stumbling blocks of trivial things or cause needless offenses that might prevent those who are seeking entrance to the kingdom from coming in. We are forbidden by the Apostles from doing the latter and from respecting the former (i.e., traditions of men, which are vanities).

By respecting the commandments and traditions of men we honour their authorities and affirm power to those who issue such edicts, i.e., mere men. Those who may desire to break free from such things or suspect them to be false would be scandalized by our even token recognition of their supposed authority over men.

Pax Christi,
Tim

 

[John21652]

You can answer the question in general, if you like, I find it quite an interesting topic, but in particular I’m interested in 2 points:

1. I work in a Catholic school with a sizeable number of Muslim students (this is in the UK so it is also a state school). There is some debate amongst staff as to whether or not we should provide Halal meat at the school lunches. The Local Education Authority has a policy that all of its meat is halal so that’s what everyone eats, Muslim or not. Some of our staff are worried about the humane treatment of animals and would prefer that we served non-halal meat and effectively told the Muslim students to take the vegetarian option (obviously the Muslim pupils observe varying levels of strictness in relation to what they will and won’t eat, but most are happy with halal meat in an otherwise standard meal).

My reaction to this point is to remind you that whatever it was that attracted the Muslims to your Catholic School should be recognised and appreciated by you and the other Catholics. Those Muslim parents who sent their children to your school knew that halal meat wasn’t served. If it was OK with them then, so it should be now. They knew that it was a Christian school and they willingly enrolled their children. Now, let them observe the Christian traditions and they can attend to their Muslim ways on their own time and turf. Otherwise, if the halal option is offered, Christianity has begun to compromise itself and has started to raise the expectation that it can be easily compromised. The next obvious question would be, “why would Muslims respect a religion which allows itself to be compromised so easily?”

1. We also have a very large Jewish population close by. The community is very frum,(Charedi), and do not like to mix with Gentiles too much. However, I quite frequently come across them on the train and bus. What steps, if any, should I take to accommodate their beliefs? I am thinking particularly of the laws surrounding niddah, although I can’t think this could be accomplished without me announcing “Don’t sit here, I’m on my period!” or something equally ridiculous and unappealing to both sides!

Any thoughts?

None. It is up to the Jews to attend to their own spiritual wellbeing. If they wish to protect their spiritual wellbeing in public places, I’m sure they are quite capable of doing so without others having to make adjustments.

 

[Reuben_J]

It would be thoughtful to provide Halal food to the Muslims in your school if it is expedient to do so. However, there is just so much that you can do and if it is within your/school capability to provide it without sacrificing or at the expense of too much on other things, I think why not. But from your information there should be no problem in your school since the meat is already Halal (Halal means meeting the standard set by the Muslims themselves). Why does the vegetarian meal is required?

Not so sure about the Jewish sector though. Probably I would not like the idea if the arrangement may lead to segregation or something.

 

[Reuben_J]

Otherwise, if the halal option is offered, Christianity has begun to compromise itself and has started to raise the expectation that it can be easily compromised. The next obvious question would be, “why would Muslims respect a religion which allows itself to be compromised so easily?”

While I can understand the desire to maintain Catholic purity in our schools, I do not think we are being compromised by a simple understanding on the students who enroll in the school. The fact that the school accept them knowing that they are Muslims or Jews, should in some ways recognize that it is responsible in some ways to these students.

Probably well meaning Muslims would respect the school that respect their belief but of course on the other hand nothing is enough to satisfy them (some people), and those will always take advantage of us one way or the other.

 

[Bluegoat]

I don`t quite understand the OP - if all the meat is halal, why not serve it and a vegetarian option. Is the issue with whether the meat is ethically raised apply only to halal meat

 

[Sum_Fidelis]

Bless You. I think that we should be humble in front of others faith. What they believe in is absolutely their own thing. If we want to do right,then we must be polite to all people,no matter what religion or any other things that they think is right. A question like this is maybe interesting but not proper. A good Christian and catholic is one also in the eyes of a Muslim,protestant,what ever. Why ask?

 

[JRKH]

You can answer the question in general, if you like, I find it quite an interesting topic, but in particular I’m interested in 2 points:

1. I work in a Catholic school with a sizeable number of Muslim students (this is in the UK so it is also a state school). There is some debate amongst staff as to whether or not we should provide Halal meat at the school lunches. The Local Education Authority has a policy that all of its meat is halal so that’s what everyone eats, Muslim or not. Some of our staff are worried about the humane treatment of animals and would prefer that we served non-halal meat and effectively told the Muslim students to take the vegetarian option (obviously the Muslim pupils observe varying levels of strictness in relation to what they will and won’t eat, but most are happy with halal meat in an otherwise standard meal).

Well I am assuming tha tyour Local Education Authority applies the same criteria to the meat in ALL schools and not just the catholic school so it is equitable, and since Catholics have no problem with how the animal was butchered, I see no problem with things as they are. If certain staff members have concerns they should take them to the LEA. That way all parties can have a fair hearing.

In a more general sense, I agree that those parents who choose to send their children to Catholic School should expect that it is they who need to conform or adjust or make allowances, and not the school.
In the case of dietary issues, is there anything that prevents the kids from bringing their own lunch?

1. We also have a very large Jewish population close by. The community is very frum,(Charedi), and do not like to mix with Gentiles too much. However, I quite frequently come across them on the train and bus. What steps, if any, should I take to accommodate their beliefs? I am thinking particularly of the laws surrounding niddah, although I can’t think this could be accomplished without me announcing “Don’t sit here, I’m on my period!” or something equally ridiculous and unappealing to both sides!

In this case we are talking about your personal conscience and so you should do what you feel is appropriate in a given situation.
In the example you give, I would say nothing for two reasons. One is that, like you say, it would be unappealing and Two, if they sit there, unaware, they have committed no sin.

Peace
James

 

[ignatius777]

You can answer the question in general, if you like, I find it quite an interesting topic, but in particular I’m interested in 2 points:

1. I work in a Catholic school with a sizeable number of Muslim students (this is in the UK so it is also a state school). There is some debate amongst staff as to whether or not we should provide Halal meat at the school lunches. The Local Education Authority has a policy that all of its meat is halal so that’s what everyone eats, Muslim or not. Some of our staff are worried about the humane treatment of animals and would prefer that we served non-halal meat and effectively told the Muslim students to take the vegetarian option (obviously the Muslim pupils observe varying levels of strictness in relation to what they will and won’t eat, but most are happy with halal meat in an otherwise standard meal).
2. We also have a very large Jewish population close by. The community is very frum,(Charedi), and do not like to mix with Gentiles too much. However, I quite frequently come across them on the train and bus. What steps, if any, should I take to accommodate their beliefs? I am thinking particularly of the laws surrounding niddah, although I can’t think this could be accomplished without me announcing “Don’t sit here, I’m on my period!” or something equally ridiculous and unappealing to both sides!

Any thoughts?

Why would a catholic school or a school of any other religion make accomdations for other faiths? If you are a muslim or a jew and you voluntarily decided to go to a ctaholic school then you should be expected to abide by catholic beliefs. Why should the school be expected to accomodate you and not expect that you would behave in getting with their beliefs? I believe the same is true for a christian who goes to a muslim school etc etc

 

[Bluegoat]

Why would a catholic school or a school of any other religion make accomdations for other faiths? If you are a muslim or a jew and you voluntarily decided to go to a ctaholic school then you should be expected to abide by catholic beliefs. Why should the school be expected to accomodate you and not expect that you would behave in getting with their beliefs? I believe the same is true for a christian who goes to a muslim school etc etc

Remember that this is the UK. There are state run and funded religious schools there, and the responsibility of the school is a little different than in a private system.

Regarding ethics - if the meat comes from factory farms, it is probably unethical no matter how it is slaughtered. So don`t offer meat, and have everyone eat vegetarian. Problem solved and no religious issue to contend with.

 

[Publisher]

You can answer the question in general, if you like, I find it quite an interesting topic, but in particular I’m interested in 2 points:

1. I work in a Catholic school with a sizeable number of Muslim students (this is in the UK so it is also a state school). There is some debate amongst staff as to whether or not we should provide Halal meat at the school lunches. The Local Education Authority has a policy that all of its meat is halal so that’s what everyone eats, Muslim or not. Some of our staff are worried about the humane treatment of animals and would prefer that we served non-halal meat and effectively told the Muslim students to take the vegetarian option (obviously the Muslim pupils observe varying levels of strictness in relation to what they will and won’t eat, but most are happy with halal meat in an otherwise standard meal).
2. We also have a very large Jewish population close by. The community is very frum,(Charedi), and do not like to mix with Gentiles too much. However, I quite frequently come across them on the train and bus. What steps, if any, should I take to accommodate their beliefs? I am thinking particularly of the laws surrounding niddah, although I can’t think this could be accomplished without me announcing “Don’t sit here, I’m on my period!” or something equally ridiculous and unappealing to both sides!

Any thoughts?

As a Friend, I believe God is present in all people…and I seek to “speak to that of God” within those of other faith traditions. I acknowledge their understanding of the Eternal is different than mine…but we share the same Light Within…and it is to this Light Within that I acknolwedge.

If the Light they follow has instructed them to eat a certain diet…and it causes no compromise of my own beliefs…I will do what I can to accommodate them…“Do unto others as you would have them to unto you.” seems to be a simple…yet profound…rule of thumb in dealing with other faith traditions.

 

[ignatius777]

Remember that this is the UK. There are state run and funded religious schools there, and the responsibility of the school is a little different than in a private system.

Regarding ethics - if the meat comes from factory farms, it is probably unethical no matter how it is slaughtered. So don`t offer meat, and have everyone eat vegetarian. Problem solved and no religious issue to contend with.

I understand all of this but it completely ignores the fact that a religious school should not have to jump through hoops to accomodate the beliefs of others. Establish a school of your own and then do all you please. Anyone going to that school needs to know that the practices there may conflict with your own. Oops. So sad too bad.

 

[Bluegoat]

I understand all of this but it completely ignores the fact that a religious school should not have to jump through hoops to accomodate the beliefs of others. Establish a school of your own and then do all you please. Anyone going to that school needs to know that the practices there may conflict with your own. Oops. So sad too bad.

If the school doesn`t want to have to accept non-Catholic students and provide reasonable accommodation, then they can stop accepting state money too.

Providing halal food doesnt actually seem to be a burden on them in any case - as far as I can see that isnt the issue here at all.

 

[ignatius777]

If the school doesn`t want to have to accept non-Catholic students and provide reasonable accommodation, then they can stop accepting state money too.

Providing halal food doesnt actually seem to be a burden on them in any case - as far as I can see that isnt the issue here at all.

Then dont call it a catholic school. Its a huge infringement on rights to demand that accomodations be made for others. I am not the least bit interested in how much of a burden anything is its about respecting what people believe.

 

[JRKH]

Why would a catholic school or a school of any other religion make accomdations for other faiths? If you are a muslim or a jew and you voluntarily decided to go to a ctaholic school then you should be expected to abide by catholic beliefs. Why should the school be expected to accomodate you and not expect that you would behave in getting with their beliefs? I believe the same is true for a christian who goes to a muslim school etc etc

Please recognize that the OP has not said or even suggested that the Muslim families have “expected” anything or it is they who are raising the issue. The meat currently used is in accord with the LEA guidelines which happen to fit in nicely with the needs of the Muslim and Jewish dietary reqiurements and coincidentally do not effect Chrisitan dietary issues.
The question/concern is being raised, not by people of another faith, but by School staff members and relates to non-faith related ethics.

Peace
James

 

[ignatius777]

Please recognize that the OP has not said or even suggested that the Muslim families have “expected” anything or it is they who are raising the issue. The meat currently used is in accord with the LEA guidelines which happen to fit in nicely with the needs of the Muslim and Jewish dietary reqiurements and coincidentally do not effect Chrisitan dietary issues.
The question/concern is being raised, not by people of another faith, but by School staff members and relates to non-faith related ethics.

Peace
James

I fully understand that, I am merely answering the question…what steps should be taken… my repsonse is none. Whatever beef or or beliefs peolpe have is irrelevant. You go to a catholic school you do as the catholics do. If you go to a jewish school then you do as the jews do and the same for muslims or whomever. Its that simple.

 

[Bluegoat]

I fully understand that, I am merely answering the question…what steps should be taken… my repsonse is none. Whatever beef or or beliefs peolpe have is irrelevant. You go to a catholic school you do as the catholics do. If you go to a jewish school then you do as the jews do and the same for muslims or whomever. Its that simple.

This has nothing to do with the question though.

 

[Bluegoat]

Then dont call it a catholic school. Its a huge infringement on rights to demand that accomodations be made for others. I am not the least bit interested in how much of a burden anything is its about respecting what people believe.

An infringement on what rights. Is it an infringement on my rights as an able bodied person to demand that the public library have a wheelchair ramp. And what demands are you talking about - no one here is talking about demands for special food - that isn`t the question. And how are you respecting what people believe here.

If you have guests that eat a particular type of diet, and you can provide it with no bother to yourself, would it not be strange, inhospitable, and rather nasty not to offer it.

It is a Catholic school according to the state because it offers Catholic religious education, and will offer places to Catholic students, or Christian ones, before offering them to non-Christians. That is what a state funded catholic school does.

 

[ignatius777]

An infringement on what rights. Is it an infringement on my rights as an able bodied person to demand that the public library have a wheelchair ramp. And what demands are you talking about - no one here is talking about demands for special food - that isn`t the question. And how are you respecting what people believe here.

If you have guests that eat a particular type of diet, and you can provide it with no bother to yourself, would it not be strange, inhospitable, and rather nasty not to offer it.

It is a Catholic school according to the state because it offers Catholic religious education, and will offer places to Catholic students, or Christian ones, before offering them to non-Christians. That is what a state funded catholic school does.

Its an infringement on the rights of the library to demand they put in a ramp.

If I have invited the guests thats different