Dozens turned up for a debate hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Conflict Issues yesterday, where British Humanist Association (BHA) Vice President Professor Richard Norman spoke in response to the question ‘Is religion now at the root of the world’s violent conflicts?’
Also on the panel were Quilliam Foundation chairman Maajid Nawaz, Tony Blair Faith Foundation Head of Communications William Neal (standing in for CEO Charlotte Keenan), and the Rt Rev The Lord Bishop of Coventry Dr Christopher Cocksworth.
Challenging some of the terminology used around the debate, Norman pointed out that ‘religious extremism’ was difficult to define usefully, and essentially included any religious ideology when it is the cause of conflict. Instead, he argued that all religions have the capacity to drive conflict.
Stating that education about other religions was important, Norman added that teaching religious tolerance was just as necessary for preventing future religious conflict. He argued in favour of a secular state in which people of all religions and no religion would have equal standing before the law. He also called for an end to ‘faith’ schools in Britain, citing the conflict in Northern Ireland, as well as for an end to reserved seats for bishops in the House of Lords. This drew a huge round applause from the audience, as well as some mild consternation from the Lord Bishop seated to his right.
‘One of the most worrying features of religious schools,’ said Norman, ‘is that many don’t have to teach the agreed syllabus, but are free to teach Religious Education lessons which focus on one particular faith. We should push for a national syllabus in Religious Education in which all children are taught about all religions and beliefs and which is compulsory for all schools, whether these are “faith” schools or community schools.’
Maajid Nawaz, who identifies as a cultural Muslim, also spoke about the importance of secularism to Britain, and like Norman drew applause by calling for an elected House of Lords. Discussing the importance of secularism to maintaining a stable society, he argued for ‘attaching’ to secularism a further set of core values. Drawing attention to the threats of religious fundamentalism and political Islam, he said that ‘liberal secular Humanism’ was necessary to lasting peace in society.
Notes
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.