Released Time Program FACTS

Released time began in 1914, yet most Christians are unaware of this wonderful opportunity that God has made available for us to reach young people! Released time is the only means by which religious instruction is allowed during the school day in public schools. This year, more than 250,000 children are being reached in schools across America through Released Time Religious Education programs, and half of these are unchurched children. In 1952, the constitutionality of Released Time ministry was tested in the Supreme Court case of Zorach vs. Clauson (343 U.S. 306) The ruling found such ministries not to be in violation of the United States Constitution.

In practical terms, the legal guidelines for Released Time Religious Education are:

1. Under the Establishment Clause, a Released Time program must take place off the school campus, so that public resources are not used in the promulgation of religion and to avoid the appearance of school or government support of religious practices.

2. Under the Free Exercise Clause, the school should accommodate religious instruction. If parental permission is given, relieving the school from legal responsibility during the Released Time program, the school authorities may release students to go off-campus for religious instruction, just as they release students for other activities such as work and vocational programs.

3. In the state of Tennessee, Released Time is allowed subject to the discretion of the local school board. There is no state law which regulates Released Time.

For further information or to sign up
please call: (423)378-4863 or 
Tennessee Released Time Christian Education
P. O. Drawer 6
Kingsport, TN 37662

BETTER KIDS MAKE BETTER SCHOOLS!