REVOLT IN THE RELIGIOUS ED CLASS: Nearly Half of NI Public Reject Church-Authored Syllabus
A seismic shift in public opinion is challenging the foundation of Religious Education in Northern Ireland, as a new Queen’s University Belfast study reveals that nearly half of the population is dissatisfied with Christian churches writing the mandatory school RE syllabus. The research, titled ‘RWE for All’, found that 42% of respondents oppose the current church control, a sentiment that spikes to nearly 90% among those with no religion and includes 40% of Catholics. This public discontent follows a landmark UK Supreme Court ruling that declared the existing Christian-focused RE and collective worship unlawful, placing immense pressure on a system long defined by its denominational divides. With over 60% of people agreeing that learning about diverse beliefs reduces prejudice, the findings underscore a growing demand for an inclusive curriculum that reflects Northern Ireland’s evolving societal landscape.
The study paints a stark picture of the human cost of the status quo, with minority faith and non-religious parents reporting that the Christian-centric curriculum often feels “marginalising or exclusionary” for their children. Teachers admitted to inconsistency and vulnerability when managing classroom diversity, particularly when external religious visitors gave age-inappropriate or fear-inducing talks. Researchers Dr. James Nelson and Dr. Rebecca Loader argue the findings “affirm the necessity for reform,” championing a transformation into inclusive spaces where all students learn together about diverse worldviews to foster a shared society. However, in a move highlighting the deep-seated tension, Education Minister Paul Givan has instructed schools to continue teaching RE based on the “holy scriptures” while his department plans a reform response to the Supreme Court judgment—setting the stage for a pivotal clash between tradition and a changing public mandate for inclusion.
Watch Out For Blessing Light Upcoming Music Project:
