Toronto Catholic District School Board faces losing 4,000 families from its schools over a controversial ‘equality’ policy which it passed as part of a government  equality and inclusive education strategy.

The Coptic Orthodox Churches in the Canadian city are threatening to withdraw families who attend schools in the district if it does not amend the policy.

According to one expert in Ontario education, if the threat were carried out, the board could lose upwards of $40,000,000 in annual public funding, and over 150 teachers.

If the board implements the new policy, wrote Fr. Jeremiah Attaalla on June 22nd, “we will not hesitate to withdraw our children at once from attending any Catholic school within Toronto or [the Greater Toronto Area].”

The policy has sparked an unprecedented mobilisation of parents who fear that it will lead to their children being taught that homosexual acts are morally licit

In August the board will be considering a set of amendments to the policy promoted by trustee John Del Grande and Angela Kennedy to ensure that equity and inclusion are interpreted consistently with Catholic teaching.

Fr. Attaalla wrote in his letter, which was addressed to Director of Education Ann Perron, that they will withdraw their children “if the requested amendments are not implemented.”  He said the amendments are “faithful to the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.”

The priest explained that he was writing on behalf of the parishes of St. Mark (Scarborough), St. George and St. Ruiess (North York), St. Mourice and St. Verena (North York), and Ti Agia Maria and St. Demiana (Etobicoke).

He said these parishes have a population of at least 5,000 families, not one of which support the public schools because of their implementation of the government’s controversial equity agenda.  He said at least 80pc of those families attend the Catholic schools and the rest attend private schools.

The school board reportedly receives about $10,000 in public funding for every child and it requires approximately 19 children to support one teacher.

In April, over 150 Catholics attended a consultation meeting on the policy.  The vast majority at the April 27th meeting were parents and other concerned ratepayers opposing the policy.