The Scottish Catholic Education Service has defended the right of
denominational schools to include religious observance and have said
there is no need to introduce an opt in or to replace it with a ‘time of
reflection’.
The Church of Scotland and representatives of Scotland’s Humanists
have suggested that the concept of religious observance in schools
should be replaced with a ‘time of reflection’.
However, the Scottish Catholic Education Service has stated that
denominational schools have a right under law to determine the provision
of religious observance and religious education.
Numerous proposals have been put forward for consideration by the Petition Committee of the Scottish Government.
This is in response to a discussion about a Scottish Secular Society
(PE01487) suggestion that religious observance should be made an
‘opt-in’ activity.
One of the most recent submissions was the joint submission from
Humanists and the Church of Scotland, which has been welcomed
by Ekklesia co-director, Simon Barrow.
Mr Barrow said of the submission, “It is excellent news that a major
Christian denomination and a society representing the concerns of a
growing number of ethical, non-religious people in a plural society, are
agreed that the concept of ‘Religious Observance’ in schools should be
replaced by an equal and inclusive ‘Time for Reflection’.”
The Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES), which is the advisory
body to the Catholic Bishops of Scotland on matters related to
education, stated in its submission that it agrees with colleagues from
the Church of Scotland’s Church and Society Council that religious
observance in all schools, “offers the opportunity for young people to
celebrate the values, beliefs, traditions, and achievements of the
school community.”
The
submission also states that religious observance addresses students’
spiritual capacities and provides time and space to reflect deeply.
It added, “Such reflection is supported by the wisdom from the
treasury of our country’s culture and our religious traditions. But it
can also be enriched by the varied experience of other cultures, faiths
and traditions. This important experience is not provided for by any
other area of the curriculum.”
In relation to the joint Church of Scotland/Humanist submission Simon
Barrow said, “It is vital for a healthy society that people of
different religious and non-religious outlooks can learn to share public
space fairly, collaborate on common values, uphold the rights and
dignity of all, and negotiate disagreements with informed respect.”
The SCES submission says there is no need for an opt- in clause as
proposed, as parents already have the right to withdraw a child from
religious observance on conscientious grounds.
The submission, signed by Director Michael McGrath, also highlighted that the nature of religious observance in
Catholic Schools is distinct from that provided in non-denominational
schools. It reflects the liturgical calendar, prayer and worship for
feast days.
“These experiences are not always ‘discrete’, standing alone as
assemblies or services; they can emerge from classroom activity,” he
stated.
Mr McGrath also highlighted that the Scottish Government has said
that when parents choose a denominational school then they choose to opt
in to the school’s ethos and practice which is imbued with religious
faith and religious observance.
The Catholic statement concluded that the Petition it was responding
to applied not only to non-denominational schools but denominational
schools.
This contradicts the Education (Scotland) Act which highlights the
rights of a denominational body to determine the provision of religious
observance and religious education in the denominational school.