The Religious Education Council of England and Wales (REC) has stated that pupils will fail to filter out stereotypes that contribute to religious discrimination or even bigotry if pupils don’t receive high quality education about religions and beliefs. The call comes as the REC has published new figures showing a shortage of new RE teachers being recruited in English schools. Humanists UK, which is member of REC, believes it is vital that every young person receives open, critical, and inclusive education about religions and beliefs.
The REC’s Chief Executive Rudolf Eliott Lockhart stated, ‘Without good quality religious education delivered by a qualified RE teacher who provides accurate and balanced information about the array of different worldviews that make up modern Britain, young people are placed at risk. Not only are they at risk of ignorance that might lead to misunderstanding or even bigotry but as they go through life they risk basing their knowledge, understanding and opinions on sources that perpetuate inaccurate and misleading stereotypes.
‘With information and opinion so freely available on social media and other online sources, pupils need to be taught to differentiate between sources that are reliable and reputable and those that are more likely to lead to religious discrimination and hatred. It is clear that in Britain today, we need to develop a better understanding of different faiths and beliefs so that we build more cohesive communities..’
Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson commented, ‘It is vital that every young person receives high quality, inclusive teaching about the major religions and humanism. Only through such quality teaching can prejudices and stereotypes of those of other religions and beliefs be overcome.’
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For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson on richy@humanists.uk or 020 3675 0959.
Read more about Humanists UK’s campaign work on religious education: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/schools-and-education/school-curriculum/religious-education/
Read more about the Religious Education Council for England and Wales: https://www.religiouseducationcouncil.org.uk/
At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.
Humanists UK recently changed its name from the British Humanist Association: https://humanists.uk/2017/05/22/bha-becomes-humanists-uk