Religion’s Role in School to Be Debated

Religious and community leaders will debate what role religion should play in public schools during a panel discussion at First United Methodist Church of Burbank tonight.

They will discuss topics such as whether prayer should be allowed on campuses and whether creationism should be taught in schools. They will also take questions from the audience.

Four panelists will participate in the discussion: Ross Bradder, director of the state chapter of the Christian Coalition; Father Michael McFadden of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Los Angeles; Harry Schwartzbart, president of the San Fernando Valley chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State; and the Rev. Larry Stamper of First United Methodist Church.

“Dialogue is always helpful,” said Schwartzbart, of Chatsworth. “If we just talk to people who believe like we do . . . then we don’t make progress. Maybe people who are well intentioned can come to the best consensus that we can.”

Through discussion, participants may also find that there are more similarities than differences in their arguments, Bradder said.

The dialogue is sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council, the Burbank Human Relations Council and Assemblyman Scott Wildman (D-Los Angeles). The free community event will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 700 N. Glenoaks Blvd.