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Today, the claims of Christianity are no longer common knowledge among a Catholic student cohort that comes from many faith traditions and none, but the Catholic school has a place for them all. Has the classroom become the ecclesial face of the Catholic Church in the 21st Century?
Australia is a Christian country. We wear Christian clothes. We eat Christian food, speak Christian languages. Pardon the scepticism but I don't believe all this 'Christian values' nonsense, and I won't be lectured to about my alleged failure to integrate.
In the years after it began in 1951, the Blake religious art prize was dominated by conventional Christian themes and symbols. More recently its inclusion of images associated with human justice has reflected the increasing multifaith character of religion in Australia together with religious believers' concern for human peace and justice.
Since its inception 60 years ago the Blake Prize for religious art has courted controversy. Several recent entries have been denounced in the media as blasphemous or sacrilegious. This year's exhibition presents a striking portrayal of contemporary multifaith Australia.
If the aim is to inform students about religions, this is best done within the curriculum by people trained to deliver such content in a way that engenders respect for all religions. Problems arise if the goal is to produce believers in a particular religion.
Christians committed to interfaith dialogue were shocked that some Christian leaders have opposed the building of an Islamic school in Sydney. Rather than welcoming the newcomers, leaders' statements will bolster opposition based on fear and ignorance.