Northern Ireland: Reaction to Christian RE ruling

The ruling that the teaching of Christian religious education in Northern Ireland is unlawful marks a further “step away from the strong Christian foundations” that have shaped UK education, the Association of Christian Teachers (ACT) is warning.

In November, the Supreme Court justices unanimously ruled that RE and collective worship is not “objective, critical, and pluralistic” and amounts to “indoctrination”. However, they reinforced the principle that “parents are primarily responsible for the education and teaching of their children”.

Lizzie Harewood, ACT executive officer said they were “disappointed” by the ruling, but pointed out that Christian teaching isn’t being banned. She added: “This ruling does, however, mark another step away from the strong Christian foundations that have shaped education in the UK – foundations that are still more visible in Northern Ireland than elsewhere.”

She said it is “a reminder that Christians in education shouldn’t retreat … Instead, we need to make the most of every opportunity to present the gospel clearly and graciously, and to speak up for the remaining spaces where Biblical truth can still be explored.”

Following the ruling, Northern Ireland’s education minister Paul Givan, an evangelical Christian, said he would not allow the Christian ethos to be driven out of schools. According to ITV, he has told schools that they can continue to provide RE based on the “holy scriptures”.

He is expected to provide comprehensive guidance to schools shortly.