Pupils in Britain’s schools should be taught that the country is mainly Christian and are free to prioritise the teaching of organised religion over atheism, the Education Secretary has said.
According to the Press Association, Nicky Morgan is said to have been concerned that humanists were using a recent High Court ruling to pressure schools into giving non-religious views more prominence.
The High Court found that the government had unlawfully excluded non-religious views from the curriculum.
Judges ruled last month that it had been wrong to suggest the content of the new Religious Studies (RS) GCSE could fulfil all a school's religious education obligations.
NIcky Morgan wants pupils to be taught that Britain is mainly Christian
The case was hailed by groups such as the British Humanist Association (BHA) as ensuring that alternative world views were put before pupils at Key Stage 4 level.
Ministers have now dropped plans to take the issue to the Court of Appeal, and are acknowledging that the statutory duty of schools does go wider than the RS GCSE.
But new guidance from the Department for Education insists that non-religious beliefs need not be given "equal parity" with religious beliefs.
The guidelines confirm that non-faith schools have to reflect the fact that British religious traditions "are, in the main, Christian", while taking account of the teaching and practices of other prominent religions.
Morgan said of her later clarification: “This Government is determined to protect schools’ freedom to set their own religious studies curriculum, in line with the wishes of parents and the local community.
"The guidance I have issued today makes absolutely clear that the recent judicial review will have no impact on what is currently being taught in religious education.
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“I am clear that both faith and non-faith schools are completely entitled to prioritise the teaching of religion and faith over non-religious world views if they wish.”
A source close to Morgan was quoted by the Press Association as saying: “Nicky has had enough of campaign groups using the courts to try and force the teaching of atheism and humanism to kids against parent’s wishes.
"That’s why she’s taking a stand to protect the right of schools to prioritise the teaching of Christianity and other major religions.”
But BHA chief executive Andrew Copson said: "All the usual contemporary justifications for the teaching about religions in schools ... logically also apply to the teaching of humanism.
"The High Court ruling in this matter has implications for the school curriculum at all ages and further guidance is urgently needed to bring practice into line with the law."
Rev Nigel Genders, chief education officer for the Church of England said: “There has been confusion about the implications of the High Court judgment and we welcome the publication of this guidance note which clarifies the situation and provides assurance that the judgement does not impact on the content of the new RS GCSE.”
Morgan's comments come just days after David Cameron insisted on calling the UK a Christian country in his Christmas message.