Creationist Manoeuvres in the Dark

David Andrew Robertson writes in the Scotsman (Letters 21-11-14) titled “False Accusations”

As I usually stay out of his nonsense but as on this occassion it’s about the petition, I feel compelled to respond.

To quote Robertson..

“Ken Cunningham, general secretary of School Leaders Scotland, writing to the Scottish Parliament in response to the SSS petition, has also accused the society of using “inflammatory rhetoric”.They are indeed using this issue as a Trojan Horse to try to exclude Christianity from public education. “

The internet used to be known as the “information superhighway” and largely, I believe it still is. It allows you to quickly connect many dots one would may otherwise overlook, particularly if you’re a member of the Public Petitions Committee (PPC)

It is with some glee David Robertson presents his latest press release to the world, however, on this particular occasion, the SSS were ready for it (now that they arrive at one every week) we already anticipated the content along with its inevitable main reference point – Ken Cunningham’s rather curiously forthright submission to the PPC, presented to the commission in his capacity as head of “School Leaders Scotland” (I have to admit I was slightly taken aback at the speed of his reply to the PPC, one would have thought such extensive consultation with such a large and important body would take much more time and effort)

The SSS knew this would be another weapon for David Robertson to add to his armoury in his relentess assaults attempting to debunk, distort and misrepresent the core aims of the Scottish Secular Society, to remove unwarranted religious privilege from the public place, in particular, within the Scottish education system.

Let’s examine a few of the issue that arise with the SLS submission…

It would seem, according to Ken Cunningham there is no problem. What surprises me is the manner in which he responds, it’s hardly the language of a professional representing the views of an impartial body!

• “inflammatory rhetoric frequently used by the petitioners” – so here Ken infers he is familiar with our previous work. Good.

“Inflammatory” definition is “(especially of speech or writing) arousing or intended to arouse angry or violent feelings” – so we have aroused angry or violent feelings in you Ken have we? Now why ever would you feel like that about our petition in your impartial position as head of the SLS?

• “Frequently schools are also encouraged to break down subject boundaries by reflecting where different disciplines interact” – NO they are not Ken, are you implying that the boundary between science and religion should be broken down? If you are then please remove yourself from any official capacity within the Scottish education system as this is exactly why we have had to raise our petition. To use your own words “there would be a dangerous precedent” if this were to be implemented.

• “There are fairly detailed curricular guidelines applying to both the science and RME domains – No Ken actually there aren’t and you know it, this is why we have petitioned the government to issue such guidelines.

• “This would be a dangerous precedent. To link it to the situation in Birmingham as someone has suggested is a little disingenuous” – Ken the difference here is Christianity, unlike Islam, doesn’t need a Trojan horse, its already operating within the Scottish education system and indeed, owns the stables and enjoys unlimited access to graze on as much land as it likes. Heck they even have 3/5 unelected representatives on every single council in Troy!

Coincidentally, Ken Cunningham is Secretary and elder at Cartsbridge Evangelical Church, a church where, coincidentally, Mr Robertson presented a recent sermon where he made references to the congregation about the Scottish Secular Society and our activities, along with his own personal interpretation, why we as an organisation exist. Dave wasn’t too flattering about us I may add.

Notable that these comments were also made at the same time our petition was awaiting presentation to the PPC.

Cartsbridge church secretary and head of the School Leaders Scotland, Ken Cunningham coincidentally also sits on the SQA, as well as the “SCHOLAR advisory board amongst many other educational groups. He is an influencial and prominent figurehead across the education spectrum in Scotland.

We admire the fact that Mr Cunningham possess a remarkable ability to decouple his love of god from the day job  – somehwat contradicting his quote in the “Times Education Supplement” that stated.. “His faith is fundamental to who he is and how he behaves….I have never known otherwise and never wanted otherwise.”

This must be particularly difficult given that, the one and only, Alistair Noble, yes indeed – the Same Alistair Noble from the “Centre for Intelligent Design” , leader of the very group the Scottish Secular Society are most concerned about, particularly regarding the development and presentation of creationist material attempting to masquerade as science – this gentleman now has conducted no less than 15 sermons in Ken Cunningham’s church in recent months.

Yes you read that right, 15 sermons in Ken Cunningham’s church.

Noble is also a former colleague of Ken Cunningham at the SLS, holding down an SLS role as “Field Officer”

Worryingly, at the start of one of Noble’s sermons, he encourages his congregation to listen to the creationist muttering of Stephen Meyer, Meyer is with the Discovery Institute, of which C4ID is a close affiliate, Meyer is also lead author of the mendaciously named “Explore Evolution”, which the equally mendaciously titled “Truth in Science” (a Young earth creationist organisation) was sent to every school library in Scotland a few years ago.

Coincidentally (sorry I seem to be using this word a lot) two petitions from the Scottish Secular Society seeking to advance fairness and equality in Scottish Education may have now reached the eyes of senior educationalist Ken Cunningham and both have subsequentially, been refuted. All of this within his official capacities of course through consultation requested by the PPC and Education and Culture Committee.

So back to the subject of Trojan horses and David Robertson. He is  audacious enough to accuse the SSS of attempting to plant Trojan horses. This is gobsmacking hypocrisy, given the alleged murky and sinister interconnectivity of certain individuals who share components and missionary onjectives of his faith.

It is not the SSS who may hold friends in high places, especially those Mr Robertson so eagerly couldn’t wait to quote. Why doesn’t he actually read the petition and see what our “true intentions” really are? Secularists, unlike some other groups, don’t seem to have many political or influential friends across Scotland’s national institutions.

Scottish secularists, like many other campaign groups, merely seek to highlight the glaring inequalities and privilege religious groups are afforded in this country, What’s worse such religious privilge is also protected by antiquated legislation that does not reflect nor properly serve a diverse and modernising Scotland. Such legislation as acted by Falkirk council to ensure Catholic children can attend any school they so wish, unlike children of other faiths and those with none.

I also look forward to the day our government break up the 100% monopoly that Christianity enjoys with Religious observance in Scottish Non-Denominational schools. Is it not time to invite other faiths into assembly such as the Buddhists, Pagans, Sikhs and Muslims? Or Humanists, more suitable for those with no faith?

The SSS are not “militant” nor are we “aggressive”. Many of our members (including myself) have suffered from religious zealotry for far too long we make no apologies if we are perceived as an irritant or obstacle to others. Unfortunately everytime we challenge religious privilege in Scotland its like navigating through a dark room full of strangers but you’re the only ones who actually can’t see, you also can’t see them smirking at each other as you fumble your way around..

Finally, as for Mr Cunningham’s submission and his undisclosed association with Noble, I sincerely hope the PPC bear in mind this simple fact – referees in Scottish league football are not allowed to referee games where they may support one of the teams on the field of play. It removes the suspicion that they may seek to influence the outcome through their own bias.