EXCLUSIVEThe decision by the Archdiocese of Southwark to cancel a talk by author Simon James Green, a leading writer of LGBTQ+ fiction, has led some teachers to threaten strike action
A Catholic state school is in turmoil after a local diocese intervened to cancel a gay writer's visit.
Simon James Green was due to speak at the John Fisher School in Purley, Croydon, on Monday, but his visit was canceled at the last minute by the Archdiocese of Southwark.
Backed by the school's senior leadership team, the diocese also intervened to remove several governors who wanted the yatra to go ahead.
The intervention angered the school staff, with some threatening to walk out in protest.
Mr. Green is an award-winning children's author who writes books for a range of age groups. His books for young adults feature gay characters, and he has been described by WH Smith as "one of the UK's leading authors of LGBTQ+ teen fiction".
John Fisher is a 'voluntary aided' faith school - a state school where most governors are 'foundation governors' appointed by a religious body. The school is overseen by the Archdiocese of Southwark.
Mr. Green was due on Monday for a talk and book signing to mark World Book Day.
However, a few days earlier, the Education Commission of the Archdiocese of Southwark published a statement saying that it had recommended the cancellation of the visit to the school leadership, as it had fallen "out of the scope of what is permissible in a Catholic school". .
The school's leadership team voted to go ahead with the tour - a decision later supported by the governing body.
This prompted the intervention of the diocese, who canceled the event and removed several foundation governors.
A separate visit by Mr Green to St John's Primary School in Gravesend, which was scheduled for Wednesday and falls within the diocese, was also cancelled.
In the days prior to the move, Catholic website, Catholic Truth, had led a campaign to cancel John Fisher's program, saying it was a "big problem" that the boys were treated to as "normal and good, is misled into accepting sexual "behavior that is condemned by Christ Church".
After the school's leadership chose to pursue the event, John Fisher's pastor, Father James Clark, sent an email to parents opposing the decision, stating that Mr Green's books were "for Catholic education". do not conform and are contrary to our ethos. to the teachings of the school and the Church.”
Father Clark claimed that the incident "caused scandal in the local area" and that the school's "international reputation was put into doubt".
"The head teacher and some governors have decided to disregard the diocese's clear directive and will have dire consequences in the coming weeks," he said.
Calling on parents to lobby for the cancellation of the school, he said the event was "not about diversity".
"No one is denying the existence of people who have different views and beliefs, this phenomenon is about promoting lifestyle choice literature that is contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and therefore the Catholic school." I have no place."
He continued: "St. John Fisher had no choice but to stand up against tyranny and defend the truth. Now is our time to imitate our patron and restore the dignity of our former prestige before this situation." .
John Fisher School teachers have strongly condemned the governor's cancellation and removal. Members of the NEU and NASUWT unions passed a resolution expressing their "grave concern".
"We believe this decision violates the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child... and hinders our journey to become a school that respects rights," the resolution said.
It goes on: "We at the John Fisher School stand in support of our current leadership team and their decision to approve the author's journey — and have full confidence."
It added: "Members are concerned about the mental and emotional impact of these events on our LGBTQ+ community and the broader inclusive John Fisher School family, which includes staff, students, and parents."
I understand that some teaching staff threatened to go on strike in protest, but the foundation's governors requested that they did not do so because of the impact on the students.