Parameters for religion set out

IT should come as no surprise that it has been left to a full bench of high court judges to spell out the obvious – that no school should promote one religion at the expense of others.

What should give all parents, principals and education authorities pause for thought, however, is why the very notion of favouring one faith – however unintentional, subdued or innocent – has been conveniently brushed aside without too much scrutiny for so long.

Sensitivities surrounding this debate are perhaps not new, but they have gained impetus in a world where respect for cultural and religious identity is heightened by the desire of people of all convictions to distance themselves from the extreme acts of violence that radicalism breeds.

Our global village – faced with such threats daily – is now more aware of this than ever.

But those are hefty issues of faith which certainly should not concern a school-going child, who must at all times be afforded the dignity of having his or her particular beliefs and religious upbringing acknowledged.

It is for this very reason that, while embracing a multi-faith and inclusive policy, schools which are not clearly associated with any particular teaching or creed need to shift focus and re-evaluate.

Emphasis on any persuasion – through whatever activity, be it prayers, assembly or a school outing – will inevitably lead to suggestions, and even accusations, of bias and exclusion.

An active interest in religion is quite understandable in any young, inquiring mind – but that is an avenue for actual study which can be, and regularly is, provided for in a curriculum.

Yes, there must be recognition and due regard for the full spectrum of religious belief at school, but let the foundation and nurturing of that faith begin at home and in places of worship where it can find full expression, without it having to be a source of any disparity at school.