Halifax row over suspended teacher

Mr Joseph Sheeran, a teacher at Halifax Catholic High School, has resigned after a series of allegations made against him by the school authorities.
He was suspended from teaching religious education on May 28 and has refused an alternative post in the English department. Now he has called for a public explanation of his suspension.
Supported by other members of staff, he refutes the allegations made against him which include denying the doctrine of the real presence in the Eucharist and having a "soft" attitude to discipline.
Although Mr Sheeran is anxious to clear his reputation, he is more concerned with the general welfare of the school. He is worried by the school's dominant philosophy, "for which" he says "it is quite impossible to claim the title of Christian".
"Can it he right" he asked "to be told that the only reputation a Catholic school should aspire to is one of academic excellence? Can it be right that the image of God held up to children should be one chosen by officialdom?"
Mr Sheeran claims that his attempts to establish dialogue between parents, teachers and clergy about the purpose of a Christian school were consistently blocked.
"It all represents a catalogue of petty feudalism, obscurantism and cynical manipulation. There is a collective neurosis in the place and its symptoms are paralysis of the imagination and intellect, and sheer boredom."
The headmaster, Mr Copely refused to comment on Mr Sheeran's resignation and would only say that he was attempting to create "a well geared and well run school that teaches the faith."
Canon Timothy Coughlan, head of the board of governors said that he was unable to make a statement at the moment. but the governors were meeting later this week to discuss whether to make a statement about Mr Sheeran's suspension.