Letter: ​Draft syllabus deserves careful consideration as the debate is now about redefining the nature and purpose of religious education in our schools

A previously Christian primary syllabus, once rooted in Holy Scripture, is being transformed into a critical religious studies course in which children will learn about Christianity alongside five other religions and a non-religious worldview.

This is a tall order for primary pupils – and their teachers. Some parents may fear that such a syllabus will confuse young children and undermine the faith taught at home and in church.

They may therefore exercise their legal right to withdraw their children from these lessons. Ironically, some supporters of the multi-faith curriculum acknowledge that its scope is exceptionally ambitious and that widespread withdrawals would create serious practical difficulties for schools.

More concerning, however, is the suggestion that, if such withdrawals prove disruptive, the appropriate response would be to remove the legal conscience clause that permits unconditional withdrawal. If increasing numbers of parents or teachers feel compelled to invoke the conscience clause, the question is not whether it should be abolished, but what has changed to prompt such a response.

Rather than restricting parental choice, consideration should be given to providing an optional Christian RE programme alongside the new statutory curriculum for families who prefer it.

This draft syllabus deserves careful consideration and parental response, for the debate is no longer simply about revising a syllabus; it is about redefining the nature and purpose of RE in our schools.

David Armstrong, Co Armagh