Pluralistic RE in schools key to tolerant society, Humanists UK Tells UN

Humanists UK has urged governments worldwide to take an inclusive approach to religious education when developing school curriculums, to promote social cohesion. The call was made at an intervention during a panel discussion on quality education for peace and tolerance for every child at the UN Human Rights Council. The aim of the panel discussion was to empower children with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to contribute to an equitable society.

In the intervention, delivered via video, Humanists UK’s Education Campaigns Manager Lewis Young said: 

‘Outside of the family, schools and other educational settings are the major influence on our attitudes, beliefs, and values. They can do a lot of damage to freedom of religion or belief but can also play a role in advancing this human right. School structures, the school curriculum, and other aspects of schools’ ethos can all play a part in supporting freedom of religion or belief for all.

‘We believe that high quality education on religions and humanism, that is conveyed in a pluralistic manner – and accords equal respect to different religious convictions and to non-religious beliefs – plays a role in contributing to social cohesion and mutual understanding in a well-informed, respectful, open society. Sometimes called ‘religious education’, we believe a more comprehensive and inclusive name for this school subject is ‘Religions and Worldviews’.

Humanists UK called on the Council to endorse the Toledo Guiding Principles on Teaching About Religions and Beliefs in Public Schools, prepared by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Advisory Council of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief. The Principles encompass this approach.