Northern Ireland to Review Religious Education with Focus on Christianity

The provision of religious education (RE) in Northern Ireland will undergo a review led by an independent panel, according to Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan. Despite the review, Givan emphasized that Christianity will “remain central to the syllabus.” This initiative follows a Supreme Court decision last year that found the current Christian religious education practices in schools do not meet human rights standards.

The legal challenge was brought by a pupil, known as JR87, and her father, highlighting issues surrounding how RE is delivered in schools. The court ruled that the teaching of RE and collective worship fails to approach the subject in an “objective, critical and pluralist manner.” The ruling reinstated an earlier court decision, indicating a need for reform in how religious education is structured in the region.

In response to the Supreme Court’s judgment, Givan addressed members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) on Tuesday morning. He announced plans to revise the religious education curriculum and implement formal inspections of RE across all schools. The review will be led by Professor Noel Purdy from Stranmillis University College in Belfast and former primary school principal Joyce Logue. A drafting group comprising teachers from various educational sectors will support this effort.

The review process will involve extensive consultations with churches, educators, school leaders, parents, and students. Givan stated that the aim is to develop a revised RE syllabus that aligns with the Supreme Court’s ruling. He anticipates presenting new regulations following public consultation, with a target implementation date for the new syllabus set for September 2027.

“The time is now right for a review of the syllabus; it has been nearly 20 years since it was last revised, and a wider curriculum review is already under way,” Givan remarked. He expressed the importance of safeguarding religious education as a significant academic discipline, aiming for a comprehensive understanding of Christianity and other major religious and philosophical traditions within an academically rigorous framework.

While Givan acknowledged the growth of religious diversity in Northern Ireland, he insisted that Christianity will continue to be the primary focus of the revised syllabus. He noted that the historical, cultural, and legal context of Northern Ireland justifies this emphasis. “A curriculum that ignores this reality would fail to prepare pupils for the social and historical context in which they live,” he added.

Givan concluded his remarks by describing the review as a “measured and responsible response” to the Supreme Court’s judgment. In conjunction with these changes, the Department of Education has issued new guidance regarding the right of withdrawal from RE and collective worship for schools, further addressing the implications of the court ruling.

This review marks a significant step in Northern Ireland’s educational landscape, reflecting the ongoing evolution of religious education in a diverse society. As the process unfolds, stakeholders across the spectrum will have an opportunity to influence the future of RE in schools, ensuring it aligns with both legal standards and the cultural context of the region.