Schools have the discretion to dismiss students to off-premises religious instruction, provided that schools do not encourage or discourage participation or penalize those who do not attend. Schools may not allow religious instruction by outsiders on premises during the school day. United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society Contacts Sponsors of Released Time Bible Education programs. Documents Indexed relevant to Released Time Bible Education .
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Each local, regional and national organization conducting a released time Bible education program does so under their own guidelines and the regulations of their particular state and school district. They nevertheless share a commitment both to the freedom of religious practice and to the separation of church and state such freedom requires. In that spirit, we offer this statement of consensus on current law as an aid to parents, educators and students. All rights reserved. View our privacy policy.