About CBM

Children's Bible Ministry is a national, Bible-based ministry established in 1935.  CBM's goals are evangelism, discipleship and cooperating with local churches for follow-up. 

The work of CBM is supported by the gifts of churches and individuals. 

The state office is headquartered in Elkridge, Md.  We count it a privilege to be available to help you and your church with:

Children's Evangelism
Training Workshops
Teaching Materials
Summer Missions
Rallies
Camps
Missions Conferences
Special Events

WIN A CHILD- WIN A LIFE

Children's Bible Ministry of Maryland
6394 Forrest Avenue
Elkridge, Maryland
21075
(410)796-7990

Email
Cbmofmd@aol.com

Released Time Bible Education Teaching the Bible devotionally to public school students during school time but off school premises and always with parental permission is Released Time Bible Education. The bottom of this page includes Release Time Laws and Guidelines for the State of Maryland Statues.

"Christian Released Time Education: Christ-centered Bible instruction to kids in the public school during the school day....It's legal and it's happening every day in hundreds of public schools all over the United States"

Released Time Bible Education Teaching the Bible devotionally to public school students during school time but off school premises and always with parental permission is Released Time Bible Education.

The Bible has been and can be legally taught on a devotional basis at a time set aside during the school day when public school students, with parental permission, leave the school premises to attend religious education classes led by religious or community groups. These classes, known as Released Time programs, are held off school premises, usually in a nearby religious facility.

Since its inception in 1914, millions of students from kindergarten through high school have participated. Currently over 250,000 students participate. The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld Released Time as protected by the Constitution of the United States.

 

Source From:  http://www.rtce.org/html/Index.cfm
Released Time Laws and Guidelines State of Maryland STATUTES: ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND compulsory attendance law [§7-301 (9)] requires that all children, ages 6-15 (inclusive), attend public school "unless the child is otherwise receiving regular, thorough instruction" during the school year in studies usually taught in public schools.

Although Maryland has no expressed Released Time Statute, Section 7-301 (b) does allow a county superintendent or school principal the authority to excuse a child for a "necessary absence." Some Maryland school districts have interpreted "necessary absences" as permitting students to be released for religious instruction. EDUCATION REGULATION (Policy): According to Ellen Heller, Assistant Attorney General (Baltimore City, 301-576-6450), the interpretation of "necessary absence" is left to the discretion of each local school system.

As a result, some school districts have used this statutory authority to grant excuses for children attending religious instruction. CASES: - None ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINIONS: - None FCRTM RECOMMENDATIONS: Like your state, many do not have specific laws or guidelines concerning Released Time. The absence of a specific law does not necessarily prohibit Released Time programs. In fact, it may allow a wider range of Released Time programs. For example, it is possible to offer Released Time classes as an off-campus elective class on the High School or Junior High level, which students take daily.

This is being done in states such as Georgia, Florida, Utah, Arizona, and Idaho. The particular challenge in your state is that in the absence of a specific statute, you will need to conduct research into the legal background of Released Time at the federal level (FCRTM can help!), and how decisions are made within your school system. The majority of school districts would require approval at the school board level, but many are moving to "site-based management,' which would perhaps allow individual school principals to approve a Released Time program.

Once your research is complete, you will need to approach the appropriate decision-maker(s) with a proposal for a Released Time class. Even with the Supreme Court decision of 1952 (Zorach vs. Clauson), we must remember that approval for a Released Time program is a privilege, not a right. School principals and school boards may accommodate a Released time program, but they are not required to do so. Experience teaches us that a carefully crafted approach, coupled with a positive relationship with school officials will usually open the doors for a Released Time program.

This information provided by The Fellowship of Christian Released Time Ministries 5722 Lime Ave.; Long Beach, CA 90805 (562) 428-7733 (800) 360-7943 email: nartce@iol7.com

If you have any questions or suggestions on this web site please contact the Web master Patrick Cohill pcohill@comcast.net.