Georgia Schools to Teach Bible

May 2, 2007

Source: News & Observer

Wire Service: AP

http://www.newsobserver.com/419/story/569785.html

ATLANTA - Georgia's public schools walk a delicate line as they decide whether to offer the nation's first state-funded Bible classes -- measuring the difference between preaching and teaching with the likelihood of costly lawsuits looming for those that miss the mark.

The state school board approved a curriculum in March for teaching the Bible in Georgia's high schools, but schools haven't rushed to start the classes. A handful of the state's 180 school districts have agreed to offer the elective classes so far.

"It has been a very thoughtful, healthy process," said Robin Pennock, deputy schools superintendent of Muscogee County, where the school board decided to offer the Old Testament and New Testament classes next fall.

It's difficult to confirm how many school boards have adopted or are considering the classes. However, Muscogee is one of the state's largest districts to have done so.