The alliance was formed in 1994 by Marshall Fritz who believes that putting control of education back into the hands of parents -- "where it belongs" -- will have positive effects on families and the nation at large. Fritz rejects the notion that morality and character can be taught without a reference to religion. today;'s public schools, he says, undermine all religions by avoiding any mention of religion. Children, he says, are taught to be true to their own feelings rather than a moral code that originates outside of themselves. The result, according to Fritz, is children who mindlessly murder each other.

Speakers slated to appear at the conference include some well-known names the fields of religion, politics and education. Among them is Marvin Olasky, an Austin American-Statesman columnist and author of The Tragedy of American Compassion, a call for privatizing welfare.

Also on the agenda are R.C. Sproul Jr., editor of Tabletalk; John Taylor Gatto, New York City Teacher of the Year in 1991 and author of Dumbing Us Down; Dr. Robert Simonds, founder and president of Citizens for Excellence in Education; John Chandler, executive director Southern Baptist Assn.of Christian Schools; Dr. William Spady, author of Outcome Based Education; Vanita Warren, Concerned Women of America, Colorado, and many others.

The conference will offer numerous panels, discussing, among other to-pics, Are public schools undermining most religious values?; Are Christian children hurt by being taught the Bible as "literature?"; Why promoters of sex-ed scorn chastity and promote safe sin; The failure of religious neutrality in schools.

On Nov. 13, attendees will tour the Focus on the Family headquarters, home of Dr. James Dobson's ministry.

Fritz suggested that giving parents control over education will encourage them to define their religious faith more precisely and spark a revitalization of religious awareness.

Interested persons can get more information by calling (209) 292-1776