Tens of thousands of public school students all across America are leaving their campus during the school day, attending a Released-Time Christian Education program (RTCE). RTCE is a time set aside during the school day when students that have received parental permission may leave campus for religious training.

RTCE is nothing new. It started in Gary, Indiana, in 1914 by School Superintendent William Wirt who believed in educating the whole child. Convinced that public schools were not giving enough moral and religious training, he invited local ministers to hold classes and would release all the children that wanted to attend.

The typical Released-Time (RT) program is geared to Grades K-6. Classes are one hour per week, held at a nearby church. When churches are not in close proximity to the school, RT classes meet in homes, mobile classrooms and leased buildings. Nationally, 65% of the students that attend RT are unchurched. Most of these go on to find a church home within one of the supporting churches. Currently, there are 250,000 students participating in 1000 RT programs around the country.

RT and the Supreme Court

In 1948 the US Supreme Court challenged RT programs being held in school buildings. The court ruled against this type of program stating it was state sponsorship of religion.

Twenty states have adopted regulations concerning RT. None of these states forbids the program, although some limit its implementation.

In the 1970s, RT was adopted for high schools and middle schools. Originally, the classes were offered for academic credit. Although this is constitutional, only a few programs currently offer credit.

Each RT program is designed within its own community. Some programs might teach Bible memorization, Bible stories or have a study of Bible characters. Other programs include topics such as citizenship, civil responsibility, peer pressure, sexuality and substance abuse.

In 1952 the US Supreme Court again ruled on RT in Zorach vs. Clauson. In this case the challenged RT program was held off campus. The Zorach case concluded that RT is permissible if:

a) it is voluntary
b) students have parental permission
c) classes are held off campus
d) transportation is provided by program sponsor
e) liability for the students is provided by the program sponsor

Those involved in RT today look to this decision as the legal bases for their work.

RT Activities in South Carolina

In South Carolina, a state-wide School Ministries (SM) office has been established by Scripture Union. Scripture Union is a non-profit, interdenominational ministry with major emphasis in child and youth evangelism and Bible literacy. The South Carolina chapter holds a 501(c)3 tax-exempt status and is currently emphasizing the opportunity for ministry to public school students through Released-Time Education.

The mission of SM is to educate and equip local churches and communities throughout South Carolina to begin and maintain effective RTCE programs. SM's goals are to aid in the spiritual growth and development of students in South Carolina, positively impact communities with higher moral and spiritual values, and improve family relations; SM also assists communities in providing facilities, hiring staff and developing curricula for Scripture Union RTCE programs.

School Ministries has developed a start-up kit for those who would like to start RT programs. Teacher training, liability insurance and 501(c)3 non-profit status are also services available to beginning programs. The S.C. Baptist Convention, United Methodist Church of SC, Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church of America and Baptist Educational and Missionary denominations all endorse RTCE.

The SC Attorney General office is expected to soon finalize an informal opinion of the constitutionality of RT during instructional periods of the school day. The State Department of Education has reviewed the legality of RT in SC and has expressed a willingness to respond favorably to inquiries by school districts.

Senate bill #200 and House bill #3482 (Release Time for Religious Education) have been introduced into the SC General Assembly. This legislation will strengthen a parent's ability to offer Christian education to their children as part of the school day.

Several groups in SC have started the process of implementing RT programs. Efforts in Charleston, Spartanburg and Columbia are underway.

The Christian Learning Center

The Christian Learning Center (CLC) in Columbia is one such program. Its mission is to provide an opportunity for the youth of the community to understand Christian principles and apply them to their lives, family and community.

The CLC has developed a relationship with two school districts in the Columbia area, and expects to start a pilot program in August 1996. Two full-time teachers will conduct classes throughout the day so that students can fit RT into their schedule without sacrificing required classes. A CLC staff person will go onto school property each period and pick up students. They will attend classes one period a day, five days a week for nine weeks. Students are escorted back to the school property after class is dismissed.

The CLC is making their program available to middle school students grades 6-8. A local church will house the classes for one program. Converted houses, retail space and portable classrooms off campus are being considered as sites for other programs. A Bible-based curriculum is now being developed for use.

If you would like more information on RT or would like to volunteer your time, start a program or get our quarterly newsletter, please call or write:

School Ministries
PO Box 50093
Columbia, SC 29250
1-803-750-5673 (Columbia)
Toll free 1-800-334-2186

Released-Time Christian Education offers an opportunity to instill biblical values into students in public schools. Not only will students learn what values are worthy, but also why they are.

Return to Education Topics Page