The Catholic archdiocese of Sydney wants its school leaders to publicly commit to a vow of fidelity by adhering to church teaching on homosexuality, birth control and women's ordination.The vow would apply to its 167 principals, its deputy principals and religious education coordinators and would be a first for the Australian church, Fairfax newspapers report.
The Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, is behind the move to extend the oath - which is a requirement of church law for bishops, priests and heads of seminaries - to all senior educational leaders.
The requirement is contained in a draft pastoral plan circulated to all parishes of the Sydney archdiocese for comment.
The plan includes marriage preparation classes for senior secondary school students, twice-yearly reviews of its educational bodies and forums so Catholic politicians can be updated on church teachings.
It also includes formal courses and seminars to teach youth about sexuality and life issues.
The archdiocese says the oath is not an attempt at control but has symbolic value as a public commitment to the moral teachings and identity of the church.
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