THE leading opponent to the introduction of ethics classes in NSW schools, the Anglican Church, has reversed its position and says they should be retained, while the Catholic Church now argues they should not be removed as they have ''little impact'' on the teaching of scripture.

The reversals come amid a stand-off over the classes between the O'Farrell government and the Christian Democratic Party MP, Fred Nile, who has threatened to block key legislation in the upper house if it does not consider removing them from schools.

Learning a moral foundation without religion ... students attend an ethics class at Hilltop Primary School in Merrylands. Credit:Wolter Peeters

The comments will be welcomed by the government, which yesterday rejected Mr Nile's proposal that the classes be moved from being in competition with special religious education (SRE), or scripture, lessons.

The acting Premier, Andrew Stoner, said the proposal was ''problematic and very unlikely to find support'' from the government.