FROM INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING
Public school principals and superintendents could hire chaplains or allow them to volunteer at schools under a measure in the Indiana Senate.
A similar bill passed the Senate last year but didn’t make it past the House.
The bill says chaplains who work in schools would only provide secular support and advice to minors — unless they were given parental permission.
They would be required to undergo extensive criminal background checks and have at least a bachelor’s degree in divinity, theology or religious studies. They would also be required to have at least two years of counseling experience.The bill’s opponents say chaplains are not specifically trained to work with children and the counseling requirement is vague. Some lawmakers say they support amending the bill to allow professionals from a variety of fields to volunteer in schools.
Gray Lesesne is a pastor and he says he would be eligible to become a school chaplain under the bill. But he opposes the measure. “I can attest that most seminaries, mine included, do not train clergy for these secular types of roles.” he said. “My pastoral counseling coursework from an accredited seminary was focused on spiritual matters, not the complex academic, emotional and developmental needs of young people.”
Some religious leaders who spoke in favor of the bill say chaplains can meet students where they are and provide encouragement, a listening ear and non-spiritual support.
The bill passed committee and is expected to be heard in the full Senate
