Protestant Policy Statements and Programs of Adult Education About Public Education.

Overview & Synopsis

Objectives were to determine to what extent major Protestant church bodies in the United States have adopted official policy statements supporting public education; to learn whether their adult work agencies have provided public education suggestions and programs for local groups; and to arouse awareness and concern in the churches. Statements by 13 church bodies were analyzed; agencies in men's work, women's work, social action, adult education, and Christian education were surveyed. Respondents' opinions were sought as to critical issues in public education and what the churches should do about them. The policy statements showed strong support for public education, but responses as to provisions by adult work agencies for public education were largely negative. There were signs of intensive study in a few denominations on specialized aspects of public education. Leading issues were religion in the schools, curricular concerns, and meeting educational needs of pupils. Leading suggestions for action were to promote study of public education, participate in public education affairs, and improve church educational programs. (author/ly)