THE Anglican Archbishop of Sydney has privately lobbied the Premier, Kristina Keneally, against the permanent introduction of secular ethics classes in public schools, saying they would jeopardise the future of religious education.

Archbishop Peter Jensen said Ms Keneally had promised the Anglican Church would have input into the trial, which would be subject to an independent review.

Cathy Wilcox illustration Credit:Cathy Wilcox

Dr Jensen met Ms Keneally in February to voice his concern that the limited trial of ethics classes, which begins on Monday, could lead to scripture classes being abolished.

He sought the Premier's assurance that the trial would be genuine, not just a ''showpiece which heralds the beginning of classes anyway - in other words a fait accompli''.