The Queen’s University of Belfast report, 'Religion & Worldviews Education for All' (February 2025), revealed that participants supported forms of religious education in schools which are inclusive of diverse religious and worldview perspectives, with 73 percent supporting its role in highlighting freedom of religion, 65 percent agreeing it should help pupils understand different religious worldviews and 59 percent agreeing it should support understanding of non religious perspectives.
The Strangford MLA said: “This report is very welcome and shows that the population of NI is very much ahead of our policy makers on this issue. It is clear the public is ready for change to be made in our RE curriculum.
“In a society where some political parties want to fight culture wars with winners and losers, this report sets out a public view which acknowledges the social benefits of RE but also understands the need for the introduction of a pluralistic approach which reflects the diversity of worldviews.
“In addition to the recent Supreme Court judgment, this research reinforces the need for change. The Education Minister must undertake a full and comprehensive review of current legislation underpinning RE and collective worship to ensure it properly facilitates an inclusive approach when teaching our children.
“There is also a clear message from teachers that they want more support to deliver better RE. Dialogue groups, including several teachers, drew out areas that need to be addressed, such as the lack of checks and balances concerning religious visitors in schools, as well as the inadequate process for withdrawing students from RE without alternative provision.
“We have a real opportunity to start a serious and respectful public conversation about how to reform RE provision and collective worship to make it truly open to all. Alliance will make sure we are leading this conversation, and I hope the Minister will not see this as another battle to be fought and help facilitate the dialogue the public is clearly ready to have.”
The Strangford MLA said: “This report is very welcome and shows that the population of NI is very much ahead of our policy makers on this issue. It is clear the public is ready for change to be made in our RE curriculum.
“In a society where some political parties want to fight culture wars with winners and losers, this report sets out a public view which acknowledges the social benefits of RE but also understands the need for the introduction of a pluralistic approach which reflects the diversity of worldviews.
“In addition to the recent Supreme Court judgment, this research reinforces the need for change. The Education Minister must undertake a full and comprehensive review of current legislation underpinning RE and collective worship to ensure it properly facilitates an inclusive approach when teaching our children.
“There is also a clear message from teachers that they want more support to deliver better RE. Dialogue groups, including several teachers, drew out areas that need to be addressed, such as the lack of checks and balances concerning religious visitors in schools, as well as the inadequate process for withdrawing students from RE without alternative provision.
“We have a real opportunity to start a serious and respectful public conversation about how to reform RE provision and collective worship to make it truly open to all. Alliance will make sure we are leading this conversation, and I hope the Minister will not see this as another battle to be fought and help facilitate the dialogue the public is clearly ready to have.”