Religious Help in the Midlands

[lhoward]

Well I just found out she's not Baptist, but a different denomination. I have no idea what gave me the impression she was otherwise. Somewhere through our many conversations, some information was muddled along the way.   Faux pas on my part, so apologies everyone.

Anyway, this discussion has proven to be useful to me regardless. I'm a member of a few expat groups, and knowing there is a wide difference between Anglican and Baptists helps.

My standard answer to religion-based questions is usually, "Visit the local churches and have a conversation with the people there. Or attend a sermon." And that'll continue to be the answer I give to Americans interested in living in the UK.

Although religion isn't an important factor in my life, I'm keenly aware how important it is for so many. And I wish there was a US/UK chart to show basic differences in doctrines for reference.

[woadgrrl]

Has your friend considered homeschooling at all?  I know that, even in the US, a lot of families who don't have access to a religious school that fits their beliefs end up homeschooling.  One of my friends from high school does it with her 3 kids.  

And if integration/socialization is a concern, she might check into homeschooling clubs.  Not sure if they're as common in the UK (I don't know what the stats are on homeschooling), but they give families to arrange group activities and give their kids a chance to make friends.

It might not be ideal, but it could be the best solution if your friend really isn't comfortable sending her kids to a secular or more mainstream religious school.  Ultimately, though, it may come down to a family decision over what they're willing to compromise; is it more important to educate their kids in a particular way, or to have the family together?

[Red5]

 Not sure if they're as common in the UK (I don't know what the stats are on homeschooling), but they give families to arrange group activities and give their kids a chance to make friends.

Education Otherwise is a good starting point for homeschooling:
http://www.education-otherwise.org/

[lhoward]

Has your friend considered homeschooling at all?  I know that, even in the US, a lot of families who don't have access to a religious school that fits their beliefs end up homeschooling.

She said homeschooling was an option, but she really has a strong desire to integrate her family with the locals.

And if integration/socialization is a concern, she might check into homeschooling clubs.  Not sure if they're as common in the UK (I don't know what the stats are on homeschooling), but they give families to arrange group activities and give their kids a chance to make friends.

That's an excellent idea!

Ultimately, though, it may come down to a family decision over what they're willing to compromise; is it more important to educate their kids in a particular way, or to have the family together?

She has a lot to consider. Jane has spent a huge amount of time away from her husband in the past few years. So much time away, that they have to learn to live with each other again. Compound that with the stress of an overseas move and add on the prospect of her feeling religiously unfulfilled.... I just wish them the best.

[bookgrl]

My fil's church is Baptist and they are creationists also sort of Calvanist.  But there isn't a school.

Also they are in Suffolk.  Homeschooling is nowhere near as popular, or as easy, as in the US.  (Mainly because it is not as popular, so not as many resources). 

[Woodlily]

Your friend may want to check into C of E schools as well.  Has she considered home schooling?  I do not know if it is permitted in the UK. 

[balmerhon]

My BIL is probably a creationist - not 100% sure - but if he isn't he's darn close. They had a church they were active members of in Northampton. They also did a fair bit of home schooling. To integrate their kids into society, they just did other activities.

If you don't know her actual religion name, she might want to start with 'born again' as a term for searching local churches as I believe that is what my BIL called himself. I seriously doubt that CofE will suit her and I'd be surprised if any of the mainstream protestant churches would either - but that's just a guess on my part.

It's so nice of you to try to help her. I hope her journey is a good one.

[Giantaxe]

Evolution is part of the national curriculum, so I don't think you can avoid having it taught even in a private school. Not sure what the requirements are for home schooling and the national curriculum. Otoh, there doesn't seem to be anything to prevent the creationism myth being discussed, although this is a very controversial area - do a web search on it and you'll find a lot of interesting stuff!

Oh, and Mildenhall is in East Anglia 

[lhoward]

As someone who has a small child who's going to enter Reception this September, I'm excited for the learning process for both of us to begin.

I'm more anxious to learn about the "relationship" discussion the teachers have to have with 6-year-olds.

Oh, and Mildenhall is in East Anglia 

I know where the Air Force base is. They're probably not going to live right in Mildenhall, but commute a little.

It's all relative at this point. The Midlands is just a general area as a reference point. They're not moving to the saff or anyfink like dat.

[Elliejean]

I'm not a southern Baptist, but I am a rather conservative born-again Christian who lives in the East Midlands, and a Creationist to boot (although I subscribe to microevolution, just not at the speciation level of things).  I don't find most born again religious conservatives really object to their children being made aware of the current scientific paradigms, it's more the shove-it-down-your-throat, "only an idiot wouldn't accept it" disparaging attitude that tends to accompany it (I experienced this myself and continue to as my field is archaeology).  It would be folly to have your children unaware of evolutionary theory, surely?  I can understand her desire to have her children mix - to be honest you can teach your children what you believe to be the truth, but they'll have to stand up against peer pressure at some point anyway.

On the church issue, I agree that she'll have to visit cross-denominationally to find a home.  Her own denomination would be a good place to start, but every congregation is different within that and she'll find individual churches to be more biblically conservative or liberal independent of what sign is over the door.  It's often a long process but she may find the perfect place on the first try, you never know! 

[peterm1988]

Independent schools can avoid the national curriculum, BUT you'd also have to find a school which doesn't follow the GCSE/A-level or IB program which (I assume) would be very difficult.

It's also worth pointing out that it's probably sensible to avoid normal schools, even independent ones if the kids are quite strictly religious. My experiences were in West London and I'm a born atheist, but the white Christian kids (especially this one American girl!) had an awful time if they were assertive about it. If they kept quiet, well, they just didn't really socialise much.

[Petunia]

Off topic, but I couldn't resist...

Religion is a weird thing here in Ireland

Understatement of the year 

[mariposa]

I used to have friends in Staffordshire who called themselves "Evangelical Free."  That might also be another thing to check.