Non-Christians Learn Sunday School Value

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Redefining Sunday School

A parent and the director of the Washington Ethical Society, a humanist religious community in the District, talk about the center¿s approach to Sunday school.

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In May, the American Humanist Association announced the launch of the Kochhar Humanist Education Center in Northwest D.C. to develop a curriculum for the humanist equivalent of Sunday school.

Children, and eventually adults, will learn about the history of secular humanism; the basics of critical thinking; values and virtues like humility, empathy and courage; the basics of evolution; conflict resolution; human rights; and the separation of church and state.

They'll also receive a solid grounding in the world's religions, said Bob Bhaerman, education coordinator for the Kochhar center.

At the Washington Ethical Society, a humanist religious community on 16th Street NW with about 300 members, Sunday school is already well established. Children start in nursery school and progress through high school.

The overarching goal: "Children learn to be kind and fair and get an opportunity to create a better world for all," Sunday school director Peggy Goetz said.

This week, the younger children started class by gathering in a semi-circle. Adam Bogomolov, 9, lit a candle, a bell was struck and the class recited its creed:

We are an ethical community -- a community of open minds, caring hearts and helping hands. Together we work to bring peace and justice to the world.

They made bookmarks for Father's Day, then worked in the garden, where they are growing tomatoes and peppers as a way of learning about the interconnected web of life, Goetz said.

Michele and Jeff Kuhn joined the ethical society six years ago. They said they want their children -- Michelle's 15-year-old daughter, Sarah Strohminger, and their two-year-old son, Jonathan -- to have a humanist religious education.

"No Sunday school was never an option," Jeff Kuhn said. The core values of their Sunday school are the same as the core values of any religion, he said, adding, "It's about love and love of community and justice and being a part of a community."