Catholic school children not to give money to Comic Relief

Mar 22 2009 By Derek Alexander (taken from Sunday Mail)

SCOTLAND'S Catholic schools barred pupils from raising cash for Comic Relief - because it backs contraception in Africa.

Heads were told to put off children joining the Red Nose charity's fun day because some of its work goes against church teachings.

The revelation came days after Pope Benedict XVI provoked a barrage of criticism for claiming condoms "aggravate" Africa's AIDS and HIV epidemic. Michael McGrath, the head of Catholic education in Scotland, said: "The church hasn't issued any policy on Comic Relief.

"But schools know they would not be encouraged to contribute funding in case they were promoting activities contrary to our beliefs. Comic Relief encourages Catholic schools to get involved in a way they feel comfortable with."

The BBC's Comic Relief telethon nine days ago raised more than s59million for good causes at home and abroad.

But earlier this month headteacher Jacqueline Sexton, of the private Fernhill Catholic girls' school in Rutherglen, Glasgow, was criticised by a staff member for letting kids wear red noses on March 13 - Red Nose Day.

Insiders say a teacher threatened to report her to the Bishop of Motherwell, Joseph Devine. A source said: "She perhaps misjudged the depth of feeling."

Last night Mrs Sexton said: "We had some girls wear red noses but didn't raise funds. This is a very happy school and there is no problem."

Comic Relief said: "The Bishops' Conference confirmed they were confident Catholics may support our fundraising initiatives. The Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund is our biggest partner agency in Scotland."