Anne Klaeysen

Many thanks to Paul and Matthew for framing this topic so well and inviting a thoughtful and respectful discussion. Sadly Matthew’s experience with his proselytizing teacher is not an isolated one. It is shocking to listen to the audiotapes and hear a trusted public school educator telling his charges that they belong in hell if they reject his narrow interpretation of Christianity, but it happens to our children every day across the country. Yes, even in New Jersey, far from the so-called Bible Belt. Unlike his teacher, Matthew, like all Ethical Culture and Ethical Humanist students, understands that it is not what you believe but how you behave that is most important. When founding this religion of ethics in 1876, Felix Adler noted that “There have been no direr wars than religious wars, no bitterer hates than religious hates. . . It has destroyed the peace of families, turned the father against the son, the brother against the brother.” Holding that freedom of thought is a sacred right of every individual and that diversity of thought is welcome, he offered a “practical religion” of ethical fellowship: “Diversity in the creed, unanimity in the deed!” Our ethical communities celebrate the unique differences in humanity and work to create a better world for everyone, not just the chosen, believing, few. We are very proud of Matthew and all of our children who have been encouraged to speak up for themselves and for all thinking and caring people. Dr. Anne Klaeysen Doctor of Ministry Leader of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island 38 Old Country Road Garden City, NY 11530 516-741-7304 www.ehsli.org