The simplistic mentality that presumes you can only be ‘for’ or ‘against’ things in their undifferentiated totality makes developing a rather more credible reform agenda on faith schools a tough proposition – but all the more necessary.
Church of England and other faith school providers are facing a challenge of failing to treat the concerns of parents, public and fellow-believers with seriousness and respect.
Inclusive schools coalition Accord has welcomed the launch of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation's new education project, but questioned whether schools that discriminate in their admissions can ever live up to its principles.
A new poll has found that 57% of the public think that "state funded schools that select students by their religion undermine community cohesion", and large majorities want top see a change of policy on admissions, employment and discrimination
Members of a range of religious traditions - Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim - have issued a joint public call to end religion-based discrimination on admissions and employment in Britain's schools.
A letter from members of nine religious traditions calling for an end to religious discrimination in schools has been published in the Times. The plea coincides with the first day of the Equality Bill’s committee stage.
Dismissing those who want to reform faith schools as 'useful idiots' for a 'secularist conspiracy' misrepresents the facts, feeds absolutism and undermines sensible debate, say Simon Barrow & Jonathan Bartley. It also shows how weak the anti-reform case really is.
The Church of England has at last set out what is means by a "Christian ethos" in schooling, says Jonathan Bartley. Its espoused values are very positive. So now is the time to end discrimination in schools run by the church but funded by the general taxpayer.