Schools minister declares support for teaching humanism in RE

source: http://www.humanism.org.uk/news/view/1051

JUNE 15th 2012 


Minister of State for Schools Nick Gibb MP has stated his support for teaching non-religious beliefs such as humanism as part of Religious Education (RE). The British Humanist Association (BHA) has welcomed the minister’s comments.

Writing in response to a letter from BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson, Mr Gibb said, ‘I agree with you that it is valuable for young people to be aware of different philosophical approaches, such as humanism. I am sure that many schools will be interested to teach about non-religious ways of looking at the world, as part of preparing their pupils for adult life and I am happy to support them if they do.’

‘Surveys consistently show that the majority of young people are not religious: the 2010 British Social Attitudes Survey records 65% of 18-24 year olds as being in this position. Similarly, Department for Education research from 2004 found 65% of 12-19 year olds having no religious affiliation. Any local authority that chooses not to include non-religious beliefs in its syllabus for RE would be failing its pupils in this important area.’

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