PASTAFARIANS of Victoria, lovers of spaghetti and carbohydrate-fanciers in general rejoice, for a new god could be coming to a school near you.

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster has applied to the Victorian Department of Education and Training for approval to “spread the word” in schools through the Special Religious Instruction program.

Department spokesman Stuart Teather confirmed correspondence had been received and it “will be considered”.

Laws enshrine the right of faiths to teach special religious instruction and for members of religions to apply to become “approved providers”.

FSM’s “Reverend Dan” took to Facebook this week with a “call to action” encouraging all Victorian “appendages” to apply for accreditation.

“Let the DET know that Pastafarian children deserve equal rights to the SRI program,” he posted online. Flying Spaghetti Monster acolytes claim to number 10 million.

They claim to believe a spaghetti monster created the universe. Followers wear religious head gear — a colander.

Victorian organisation Fairness in Religions in School opposes all religious instruction in government schools.

Chief executive Lara Wood said: “Even though the Flying Spaghetti Monster is a bit of fun, our campaign is all about opposing SRI full stop.

“We don’t agree with anyone going into schools and disrupting the instruction of children.”

The application highlighted the rules allowing any religion to come in to public schools.

“But legally, the Government really can’t say no. It’s a bad policy,” Ms Wood said.

kathryn.powley@news.com.au