The Strangford MLA was speaking following the Education Minister’s correspondence to principals across Northern Ireland, which risks suggesting nothing has really changed for schools and leaves real uncertainty around the delivery of RE and collective worship.
Mr Mathison said: “Alliance welcomed the clarity provided by the Supreme Court ruling, concluding RE should be critical, objective, and pluralistic, and now believes that it is the appropriate time for legislation in this area to be reviewed to ensure it is compliant with the judgement.
“No one wants to see any further legal action being taken at great expense, and it is now up to the Minister to issue clear guidance for schools.
“The ruling has provided long-awaited clarity on the issue, and the Minister must address this issue head-on, whilst supporting schools through this new territory.
“This is our opportunity to get the future of RE and collective worship right, and ensure schools are inclusive spaces that recognise and respect a diverse range of value systems. This is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.”
Mr Mathison said: “Alliance welcomed the clarity provided by the Supreme Court ruling, concluding RE should be critical, objective, and pluralistic, and now believes that it is the appropriate time for legislation in this area to be reviewed to ensure it is compliant with the judgement.
“No one wants to see any further legal action being taken at great expense, and it is now up to the Minister to issue clear guidance for schools.
“The ruling has provided long-awaited clarity on the issue, and the Minister must address this issue head-on, whilst supporting schools through this new territory.
“This is our opportunity to get the future of RE and collective worship right, and ensure schools are inclusive spaces that recognise and respect a diverse range of value systems. This is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.”