Parallel lives? Not in Church of England schools | Nick Baines

As the experience of Bradford, the school serves the church all religions, and therefore, a lesson in diversity, not division

There is a myth around that faith schools are divisive. It is rare that the evidence of the division as presented. Almost seems to derive from an ideological bias to be, and it should be. The assumption underlying this view is that "faith" is somehow negatively charged, even though "no faith" or "secular" is somehow neutral and, therefore, can be trusted.

seems to me that there are several problems here (except the common myth of neutrality), but let's start with the question of language.

A church school is a school of faith. I could find some sympathy for the opponents of religious schools on the basis that might tend to separate from one community to another, creating what is called "parallel lives". Of course, even ignoring the fact that people mix beyond their immediate communities in social contexts and sports, to name a couple). Religious schools are by definition religious in the foundation and spirit. But that does not mean that in themselves, therefore, must inevitably split

religious school - in the way the Church of England is understood - not denominational. Church of England school was established primarily for communities that are inclusive and are also used by those of Christian faith, other faiths and no faith. His Christian ethics based on Christian values ??concerned about the welfare of everyone in the community, regardless of their religious, cultural or socio-economic development. Rooted in the awareness that "the love of God and love our neighbor as ourselves," trying to provide the highest quality care and education of all students - reflecting both the teaching of the Gospel and the mission of the Church of England to serve the community as a whole.

• the facts? Try these for starters.
• A growing number of schools in Bradford are becoming mono-ethnic and monoreligious. However, this is not the result of the presence of religious schools (in Bradford reflect the composition of their local community), but rather to do with the demographics of the city. In the center of Bradford, the Church of England schools are among the few who are multiethnic and multireligious. Serve areas of multiple deprivation and many schools have more students from non-white British heritage.

Bradford diocese of the church has three primary schools with over 90% of children of non-white British heritage, one in Keighley has more than 90% of pupils are Muslim heritage all Pakistan and the other two each have 90% of students of non-white British heritage. Eight religious schools in the diocese are over 75% of children of non-white British heritage and those of the majority are Muslims from Pakistani heritage. Twelve schools have a 50:50 mix of students. Many schools have a significant number of families from Eastern Europe.

the Church of England school with most children of Pakistani origin, minimizing the risk of isolating communities for which the religious beliefs and practices are essential elements of their identity and conduct. Schools of the Church takes seriously all religions, promoting dialogue and seek common ground - and understanding and respect for difference. Clearly, in Bradford, it is important that people develop religious culture if they are to live together, so. Religious schools provide a learning space for safe navigation, and the conversation about religious diversity

Church schools are confident in their identity and clear about their distinctive values. Instead of dividing this reason, your commitment to others. These schools are trying to model how faith and belief can be explored and expressed in ways that bring communities together rather than drive separately. As Archbishop of Canterbury: "The fact is often forgotten that religious schools are the major educational presence in some of our most deprived communities means that you can not say that these schools somehow have a policy of sterilization or segregation. "
He continued: "The Church schools are among the relatively few public institutions generally consider the confidence of minority religious communities in our present context, an education system that gives an idea of ??what. that religious motivation is actually I like is more useful to divert suspicion or communal violence - to avoid ghettos "-. rigorously, who refuses to cooperate with any religious practice in their face "

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