The Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs is OK with the banning of the public wearing of rosaries in District 11 Colorado Springs schools, Msgr Bob Jaeger told me Tuesday.
Read my story on District 11 Colorado Springs schools being allowed to ban the outward display of rosaries here.
A rosary
“The rosary was made to be an article of faith, an instrument of prayer,” Jaeger said. “It is not jewelry.”
Jaeger said school districts have a right to dictate the dress code, even if that includes banning the students from wearing for all to see crosses, beads and rosaries.
Mann Middle School says children can still wear rosaries as long as its under their shirt. Mann Middle principal Scott Stanec didn’t return calls Tuesday asking for clarification on whether both the cross and rosary are banned at the school.
Jaeger also pointed out that it is OK for U.S. military to wear the Rosary above their shirt because the spiritual significance runs deep for military families.
I’m disappointed that this article fails to point out the reason that the rosaries are banned. Unfortunately, gangs have taken a religious symbol and presented it as a tool for their particular gang affiliation. It seems that many youths now think it’s “cool” without having a personal connection to a gang. It’s sad that so many are willingly disrespectful and ignorant towards a faith that means so much to millions of people across the world.
I have checked on The Catholic Forum and it seems that wearing a rosary while not in prayer, outside the clothing is frowned upon by the clergy. While it is not against any rule, it is still not recomended. If the child is wearing it as a necklace, he is wrong, it is not jewelry and not to be worn as such. The child should be counseled by his pastor that he should wear it under his shirt. The School District has the right to protect it’s students from potential harm and they should not be chastized for it or sued for taking away someone’s right to religion, they aren’t trying to do that
Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/school-105857-springs-cross.html?cb=1286333368#ixzz11Xn3sztT
Jessica,
Click on the link to my Gazette story in the blog post above and you can read all about the tie between the rosary and neckless crosses and Midwest gangs.
Mark Barna
Gazette Religion Reporter
this is sad, my question does the rosaries fall under freedom of religion?
Pastor, they are not telling them not to wear them, just to wear them under their shirts. And the diocese approval of this rule is the best for the situation. The rosary was never meant to be jewelery, and as the story say’s, the msgr say’s what it is really to be used for, as an instrument of prayer. No one’s rights are being abused here.
so they can wear them but they must be cover up correct?
No one’s rights are being abused here. – well if you ask the people are being told they must cover up the religious items.. They would tell you that their rights are being abused…
It is not worth responding to him Tony. I think he is only here to stir up people on every issue. It is not worth the trouble even talking to him.
I see asking question to promote futher debate is wrong…..
Point to the fact that other may feel their rights are being abused is wrong…
wow
No pastor. But these stories should not be under constant threat of some of the accusations and trouble you seem intent on sharing. I am finding it very hard to believe you are a pastor honestly. I have seen people take other names just to make Christians look bad, and I have to wonder if that is what you are here doing now. You border on out right slander in your posts when you know nothing of the truth about what is happening. The diocese AGREES with this rule. You have no right to feel superior to them.
More personal attack Richard, why can you not address the issues without resorting to attacking posters…..
The diocese supports sexual sin an need to step down also.
the diocese I was talking is not the catholici diocese sorry.
Ok? How badly can a pastor offend an entire religion? I am with Richard here. He has presented his case very well, and the church trumping needs to stop. No church leader has the right to slander another.