What Is It?Released Time
The most effective, legal way to reach today's students with the Bible.
What Is It?
A Released Time Program is off-campus religious instruction for public school children that takes place during the school day. Participation is voluntary and students have their parents' permission to attend.
"I know for sure that several of my students don't attend church, and their parents don't take them to Vacation Bible School. The Released Time classes are the only exposure they get to the Bible" --a local teacher
Is It Legal?
Yes. In 1952, the United States Supreme Court ruled on Released Time in a case known as "Zorad v. Clauson" (342 U.S. 306). The case stated that Released Time is permissible if: a) It is voluntary; b) Students have parents' permission; c) The classes are held off-campus; d) Transportation is provided by the program sponsor; e) Liability is assumed by the program sponsor. The court said, "When the state encourages religious authorities by adjusting the schedule of public events to sectarian needs, it follow the best of our traditions, for it then respects the religious nature of our people and accommodates the public service to their spiritual needs. To hold that it may not, would be to find in the Constitution a requirement that the government show a callous indifference to religious groups. That would be preferring those who believe in no religion over those who do believe."
Is It Beneficial?
Yes. Through the study of God's Word students are taught morals and good behavior and therefore become better students, citizens, sons, and daughters.
"The evidence is too obvious. (With Released Time) violence diminishes; relations among the kids improve, and the desire for education improves." --South Carolina Supreme Court Judge
What Is The Current Law?
According to the document RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS: A Joint Statement on Current Law, on the subject of Released Time it says, "Schools have the discretion to dismiss students to off-premises religious instruction, provided that schools do not encourage or discourage participation or penalize those who do not attend. Schools may not allow religious instruction by outsiders on premises during the school day."
Where Is It Happening Now?
Released Time began in 1914 and has grown to the point where it is reaching over 250,000 students in 35 states. In Alabama, Released Time has been reaching students in Geneva County for several years. Other school systems have approved it as well. Camp Victory is currently reaching over 2700 students in grades K-6th with a monthly Released Time program in 4 different counties.
For more information, visit www.rtce.org
How Can Others Get Involved?
1) Pray that more doors will be opened.
2) Contact your local churches, community organizations, etc. and inform them of the Released Time opportunities. Camp Victory representatives are available to come and speak.
3) Volunteer to help with your local Released Time program, if one is being held. Volunteers help in assisting students to and from classes as well as monitoring student behavior during class. CBM Staff are responsible for teaching classes.
If you would like help getting Released Time started in your area, are interested in volunteering or would like to support this ministry financially, please call or email us at (334) 898-7948 or office@campvictoryal.org