Bishops welcome report on changes to primary-school teaching of religion
The Catholic Bishops' Council for Education has welcomed the publication of a new report on how religion should be taught in primary schools.
The Forum on Patronage and Pluralism has recommended that 47 primary schools should be divested from the Catholic Church and that all other schools should become more diverse in their teachings.
It also advises that "faith formation" be taught outside of normal school hours and recommends that religious artefacts from numerous faiths should be displayed in schools.
The Catholic Bishops' Council for Education has said it would reflect on the report's recommendations.
In a statement, the council said: "The report clearly affirms the importance of denominational schools and the continuance of faith formation, including sacramental preparation, in Catholic schools.
"It also provides a roadmap for consultation with parents and local communities concerning greater diversity of school provision in certain areas.
"Today’s comprehensive report requires detailed analysis and we look forward to working with all the education partners in developing a partnership approach to the future development of our primary schools."
Minister Quinn has welcomed the report and said he will have an official response next month.
"We live in a changed and changing nation," the Minister said. "There is a general acceptance that a greater diversity of primary schooling is necessary and I welcome the readiness among partners to embrace this.
"The key issue is how best to promote and develop this diversity."
