High Court Challenge - Chaplaincy

The Australian High Court has decided to hear a case brought by Mr Ron Williams against the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP). A Directions hearing was held on 27 January - the defendants have to file their defences by 25 February 2011. A further Directions hearing will be held on 25 March 2011 and a tentative hearing date before the full bench has been set for May 10, 11 and 12 2011.

Mr Williams, from Toowoomba in Queensland, is bringing the case because he opposes the commonwealth funding of chaplains in state schools. He maintains that the chaplaincy program is in conflict with Section 116 of the Constitution.

Sydney barrister Bret Walker SC is arguing the case for Mr Williams.

In addition to the Commonwealth of Australia, the other defendants in the case are the Minister for School Education Childhood and Youth, the Minister for Finance and Deregulation and Scripture Union Queensland.

Scripture Union provides 500 chaplains to schools in Queensland. Read more about their work and the High Court Challenge in the News section of their website.

Mr Williams has set up a website that describes his claim and the High Court challenge.  

Please pray about the outcome of this case.