Supreme Court judgement on RE: This is not the end of Christian worship in schools, says Evangelical Alliance
The Supreme Court judgement which found RE in Northern Ireland unlawful does not mean the end of collective worship in schools and may “allow the truth and hope of Christianity to shine”, says the Evangelical Alliance.
The provision of Christian religious education in Northern Ireland schools does not comply with human rights standards and is unlawful, the UK Supreme Court has ruled.
In a landmark judgment, the court upheld an appeal brought by a pupil at a Belfast school and her father and reinstated an earlier court ruling that the teaching of RE and collective worship breaches human rights as it does not approach the subject in an “objective, critical and pluralist manner”.
The pupil, known as JR87, was at a controlled primary school in Belfast in 2019 when, as part of the curriculum, she took part in non-denominational Christian religious education and collective worship.
David Smyth, Head of Evangelical Alliance NI, said the expected changes may “allow the truth and hope of Christianity to shine”.
He said: “Today’s Supreme Court ruling is not suggesting that religious education should not be provided in schools in Northern Ireland. Nor is this the end of Christian collective worship in schools - including hymns and prayers led by ministers. It also confirms that Christianity is the main religion in NI and that it is the primary role of parents to guide their children about faith and belief.
“It will take time to fully understand all the implications - in part because controlled, integrated and Catholic maintained schools operate under different laws.
“The court ruling means schools will continue to teach about Christianity but may be required to do so in a more ‘objective, critical and pluralistic manner’. This already happens in many schools and if done well, will allow the truth and hope of Christianity to shine. Christians should continue to have confidence in the gospel as good news as part of a more plural offering.
“While we acknowledge there will be many questions and concerns from Christian parents and those involved in education, this is not a moment for fear. There is an opportunity here to re-imagine how we engage with education, teach and share Christianity with young people in new and fresh ways.”