18 May 2011
In our ever-growing, multicultural and multi-faith society, Religious Education is essential to increasing understanding and cultivating an attitude of tolerance towards other faiths and walks of life. It is crucial that people, especially the younger generation, are aware of their own religion and culture as well as those of others. The MCB stand in full support of the inclusion of RE in the new English Baccalaureate system, and its members are saddened at the decision of Rt Hon Mr Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education, to exclude it from the National Curriculum. Dr Hojjat Ramzy, of the MCB Education Committee, said: ‘We are disappointed that Religious Education has been neglected, and its worth has not been appreciated. The teaching of this subject has the potential to bring great benefit to British society, and we appeal to the Rt Hon Mr Gove MP to review his decision.’ In this era, the combating of Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, and the goals of integration and cohesion cannot be achieved without an increased awareness and appreciation of the variety of faiths amongst British citizens. Religious illiteracy and ignorance of others’ faiths and traditions causes major problems in communities, societies and indeed on a global scale, and we believe governments should be encouraging, rather than cutting back the provision of Religious Education. The MCB would therefore urge Rt Hon Mr Gove MP to reconsider this action, as we believe the omission of Religious Education from the system will be of detriment to British society. [ENDS] |
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