Faith Memorial Church in Lancaster, Ohio, participated in bible study groups in a number of local public schools. The church listed such groups in eight public schools in its vicinity, including four high schools. Most of the clubs met during the schools’ lunch breaks and were run by adults, according to the church’s webpage (since taken down).
The courts have clearly decided over the years that public schools cannot advance, prefer or promote religion.
FFRF recently received a response from legal counsel for the four districts where the public schools are located. In its reply, the firm told FFRF that in the future any bible study clubs would conform to the law. “Principals are making sure that students leading bible study clubs are conducting those groups within the parameters of the Equal Access Act,” the March 2 letter stated.
