The British Humanist Association has welcomed comments by Conservative peer Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, who this year became the first Ahmadiyya Muslim to be made a peer, that humanism should be taught in Religious Education alongside religious beliefs – including in ‘faith’ schools.
Discussing last week on BBC Newsnight the 10th anniversary of the Oldham race riots, Lord Ahmad said, ‘If [faith] schools teach about other religions and humanism as well [as their own faith designation] you bring forward a very balanced perspective on the children you’re actually educating.’
BHA Faith Schools and Education Campaigns Officer Richy Thompson commented, ‘It is encouraging to see a peer call for teaching of non-religious worldviews such as Humanism in schools. The BHA has long campaigned for Humanism to be taught as part of a reformed RE subject, that focuses on exploring different beliefs and values in a non-confessional manner.’
Notes
For further comment or information, contact Richy Thompson on 020 7462 4993.
Read more about the BHA’s campaigns work on Religious Education
Watch Newsnight’s 26th May report on the Oldham race riots (from 18 minutes)
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of ethically concerned, non-religious people in the UK. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief, and for a secular state.