click - Parish of Greater Whitbourne

English Baccalaureate. Among theproposed changes is the sideliningand possible removal of ReligiousEducation (RE) from the curriculum.Superficially this may seem understandableas in Britain today the majorityof our population do not professa recognisable faith. However Iwish to argue that this is to gravelymisunderstand both our world andthe importance of RE, and for severalreasons.First, it is worth noting that the worldis now a more religious place than itwas even 50 years ago. Religion, farfrom withering and disappearing, hasgrown in strength globally. In thearena of politics and internationalrelationships those negotiating in theMiddle East have come to recognisethat previous policies of keeping religionout of negotiations was andremains a grave mistake. Rather thanignoring religion those seeking tobuild bridges need to be equippedwith understanding. Second, withinour own culture and prized literaturemany of the illusions and images requireknowledge of the Bible and religiousideas. A little while back severaluniversities lamented the fact thatthose studying literature were notequipped due to their lack of religiousknowledge. In a related way itseems very strange to have given the400 th anniversary of the King JamesBible so much publicity and praiseand then ignore its contents for futuregenerations. Third, it is almostimpossible to have knowledge of historywithout knowledge of religion.Fourthly RE is among the most subscribedsubjects. As a subject ofchoice why remove it? Lastly it isquestionable in a nation where theMonarchy is the defender of the faithand supporter of faiths more widely,and where the faith has an establishmentby law, that RE is removed.Equipping the next generation in educationis essential. The worlds of politics,literature, history and faith itselfare not going to diminish. Keeping REon the curriculum is surely good forall irrespective of whether they personallyprofess a faith.Bishop Alistair MagowanAfter comments fromlocal residents, can alldog owners/walkersplease........17 November 2012