Supreme Court reinstates ruling against ‘proselytising’ in NI RE lessons

Exclusively Christian RE lessons and assemblies in Northern Irish primary schools that don’t acknowledge other views are unlawful, the Supreme Court has ruled.

A legal challenge was launched on behalf of a seven-year-old girl and her father against the NI Department of Education (DofE). The father described the family as non-religious, and was concerned Christian teaching in school would lead to their daughter adopting these beliefs. In 2022, a judge ruled in their favour. The DofE successfully appealed that judgment, but the Supreme Court has now overturned it to uphold the original ruling.

The Court agreed that the right of withdrawal from collective worship and RE lessons was not enough to avoid the girl being “stigmatised”, as she would be the only girl in the class not taking part.

‘Pluralistic’

Providing exclusively Christian teaching in school meant religious education was not being provided “in an objective, critical and pluralistic manner”.

The judgment does not change the law in Northern Ireland. It remains a requirement that the Core Syllabus for RE, which must be taught in all state-funded schools, is based on the Bible.

The Supreme Court acknowledged that Christianity remains the “most important religion in Northern Ireland” and that the Department is permitted to focus the “greater part” of RE on Christianity.

The Supreme Court judgment does not remove Christianity from the classroom. Instead, it demands that Christian content is taught in a way that fairly and objectively presents other viewpoints and in a way that does not assume everyone views Christian beliefs as fact.

Role of churches

The Christian Institute’s Head of Education, John Denning, said: “Many people will be disappointed by this judgment, especially as schools in Northern Ireland were established by the Church before state funding became available.

“There are still details to be worked out but it is important not to exaggerate what it means. The law still ensures every child (unless withdrawn) in a state-funded school is taught about the core tenets of Christianity, based on the Bible.

“The challenge now is to present different views fairly without turning RE into a pluralistic mish-mash, while making it an engaging subject for pupils. Churches will retain significant input into the Core Syllabus, and school governors as well as teachers will have a significant role to play.”

‘Integrity and respect’

DUP Deputy Leader Michelle McIlveen MLA, a former Education Minister, said: “For generations, Christian values have shaped the moral character of our school system. Through assemblies, school activities and the everyday life of the classroom, those values have helped form young people with integrity and respect for others. That heritage is not something we apologise for, nor is it something we are prepared to see diminished.”

Her party colleague in Westminster, Carla Lockhart MP, added: “We are very fortunate in Northern Ireland to have an Education Minister who understands the importance of those Christian foundations and who is committed to safeguarding them within the framework of the law. That leadership will be essential as we consider the implications of today’s judgment and determine the next steps.”

The current Education Minister at Stormont is Paul Givan, an evangelical Christian who has publicly witnessed to the Executive about his trust in God.

Lockhart continued: “Parents have always had the ability to opt out of collective worship if they wish, and that will continue. But despite today’s ruling, our determination remains firm. We will continue to work to ensure that Christian values remain central to education in Northern Ireland, protecting the heritage that has served our society well for decades.”