Coral Ridge Hour launches campaign to improve nation's public schools

Coral Ridge Hour launches campaign to improve nation's public schools

Coral Ridge Ministries has launched a television campaign and petition drive in an effort to urge America's governors to bring back moral and academic excellence to public education.

Throughout May, three television programs will be aired during The Coral Ridge Hour, the weekly show produced by the Florida-based ministry of Dr. D. James Kennedy. The programs will investigate problems with the U.S. public school system, including the role and influence of the National Education Association, the nation's largest teachers' union.

Senior producer Jerry Newcombe says the TV campaign is meant not only to raise awareness of the problems with public education but also to look at possible solutions. He says Dr. Kennedy, for years, has been "banging the drum that we should apply the mind of Christ and the Bible to all of life, not just our spiritual life -- and that would include education."

Newcombe acknowledges that not all public school districts are hostile to Christianity. However, he stresses that it is vital for Christian families to provide a solid, biblical foundation for their children.

"The biblical understanding is that the responsibility for teaching the children [rests with] the parents," Newcombe adds. "And therefore, even when we send them to school -- whatever kind of school -- in a sense, that teacher is representing the parent," he asserts.

In addition to tackling the issue of failing public schools, Coral Ridge Ministries is also spearheading a "Freedom for Students" petition drive.