Howard defends chaplain plan

John Howard

CANBERRA - Prime Minister John Howard yesterday denied that a scheme to promote chaplains in schools was blurring the line between the state and the church.

"Those who say this is blurring the distinction are therefore saying that paying assistance to independent schools is blurring the distinction. Plainly neither is," he told Southern Cross Broadcasting.

Under the programme, every Australian school will be eligible for a A$20,000 ($23,460) grant to employ a chaplain. The Government will have a final veto on the choice of spiritual guidance provider.

Catholic schools have raised fears of government interference in their religious affairs and former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr called the plan a retrograde and divisive threat to the separation of church and state.

- AAP