A Federal Government push to fund chaplains in public schools should not replace the involvement of local churches in NSW classrooms, says a peak evangelistic body.

Glenn Coombs, CEO of Scripture Union NSW, says if NSW didn't already have "excellent' provision for SRE then "chaplaincy would be a good option' but should not replace the active ministry of local churches that teach Scripture each week.

"While 50 per cent federally funded chaplains in NSW state schools sound like a great idea, especially with good reports about the positive impact chaplains are making in other states, in NSW Scripture Union is a keen supporter of Christian Special Religious Education and does not support it being replaced by chaplaincy," Mr Coombs said.

The Age reported last month that full-time chaplains would be installed in government schools to lift religious standards and provide mentoring for students under a plan backed by the federal Education Minister.

The four Liberal MPs who are backing the plan are proposing a pilot chaplaincy program in their electorates before taking the program national, the newspaper said.

The Government would contribute around $35,000 to the cost of a full-time chaplain if a school could independently raise an equivalent amount.

Mr Coombs said the only way he see Scripture Union supporting the initiative in NSW would be if a "very flexible' arrangement was agreed, where the outcome would be to fund SRE teachers who operate across the timetable, and who take on other duties as volunteers under the supervision of the principal.

"In NSW, the term "chaplain' would also need to be removed as this is currently banned in NSW schools," Mr Coombs said.

Dr Alan Rice, chairperson of the Inter-Church Commission on Religious Education in Schools (NSW) says the current system in NSW does not need to be changed because it already meets a range of needs and offers flexibility.

He said the multi-faith environment of classrooms would prove a barrier in appointing a chaplain.

"The concept of a chaplain is more difficult [because of the different] religious attitudes that apply in schools," Dr Rice said.

Meanwhile the NSW Christian Democratic Party has welcomed the plan.

"This is a great step towards addressing the divide between Government and non-Government schools," says CDP MP Dr Gordon Moyes.

"It also takes some of the burden off teachers in NSW who are currently being asked to be everything to every student.

"I know many Government schools, particularly in rural and outer-urban parts of New South Wales, will take advantage of this offer from the Federal Government. They want a school which can care for the child in a holistic manner " not just provide for their educational needs."

The NSW Premier Morris Iemma told Anglican Media Sydney recently that the government has no intention of changing the legislation that currently allows for SRE.

Meanwhile The Melbourne Anglican reported that Victorian MP Greg Hunt said while the proposal is not intended to be discriminatory against chaplains from other religious traditions, he thinks it is likely that the demand would mostly be for Christian chaplains.

Analysis: August Southern Cross.