Victorian government announces hymns should not be sung in state schools

The Victorian government is being criticised for a ‘confusing’ rule banning hymns in state schools.

With Christmas just one month away, the government has released new guidelines stating hymns should not be sung in state schools, however Christmas carols are allowed.

The changes are included a raft of new rules surrounding Special Religious Instruction in public schools. From January, SRI classes must be delivered during lunch time, or before or after school. 

Rob Ward from Access Ministries said the guidelines were ‘ambiguous’.

‘I’ve been going to church for 45 years and I’m not sure what’s a carol and what’s a hymn.’

Click play to hear Tom Elliott’s interview with Rob Ward