The Church of England is planning to utilise its state-funded schools to ‘double the number of children and young people who are active Christian disciples by 2030.’ The Church currently controls over a quarter of primary schools in England, with over a million children in attendance. In the meantime, weekly attendance at church services stands at around 600,000, a mere 1% of the population. Humanists UK, which campaigns for an end to faith-based discrimination in the school system, has criticised the plans.
The publication, Our Hope for a Flourishing Schools System, sets out plans for a ‘Growing Faith Foundation’, which involves:
‘… the creation of new models of church in schools, which provide opportunities for children and adults to develop their journey of faith, through well planned pathways to discipleship.’
In what should be a space for inclusive, unbiased education, this is a clear statement of intent to use state-funded schools as a means to convert school children to Christianity. It runs contrary to the principles of a pluralistic society. An education system should uphold the values of neutrality, diversity, and the promotion of critical thinking, enabling children to make informed decisions about their own beliefs. This move by the Church of England not only undermines those principles but also fails to respect the diversity of faiths and non-religious worldviews within our society.
Humanists UK regularly hears from parents who are concerned about evangelising and biased material being used in their children’s schools. It has produced a comprehensive Guide for Non-Religious Parents on religion in schools, in order to provide helpful advice for navigating the often complex system.
Humanists UK Education Campaigns Manager Robert Cann said:
‘The Church of England’s plans to utilise its schools to increase church attendance by converting children is grossly offensive. This behaviour will marginalise those children whose families are not religious or of a different faith. It is imperative that children receive an education that enables them to think critically and make their own choices about their beliefs, rather than being subjected to evangelism.
‘With two-thirds of young people having no religion, it’s beyond time for all such religious discrimination to be removed from our school system. Yet here is the Church of England doubling down. The state should make sure all schools are inclusive of all pupils – we will be raising this matter with Government ministers.’
Notes:
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 020 3675 0959.
Read more about our work on state funded faith schools.
Read the report from the Church of England.
Download the Guide for Non-Religious Parents.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 110,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.