Education Convener Highlights Need for Faith in Schools

THE convener of the oldest committee within the Church of Scotland has hit back at critics who claim faith has no place in the classroom.

In a detailed response to secularists who have argued against the role of faith in the education system, the Rev Sandy Fraser, Convener of the church's Standing Committee on Education, said: "I have been disappointed by some of the arguments deployed against the role of faith in education in recent days. It is bizarre to suggest that religion and reason are incompatible. It is false to claim that the majority of people deny the existence of God."

Faith in education has two aspects, he explained: representation on local authority education committees and religious observance in schools.

Mr Fraser emphasised the importance of faith representatives (not just Christians) within the education service and said their presence was valued by local authorities.

He added: "Secular atheists are alarmed about what they see as privilege and prestigious status which is bestowed on the Church. Far from having no significance in Scotland in the 21st century, the Church remains the largest organisation in the nation. We have a presence in every community, and we exist not for our own benefit but to serve one another and to share the story of the love of God."

Mr Fraser's detailed response can be read here

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