In a rather unexpected coalition, Christians have united
together with Muslims and atheists In Ireland to promote separation of church
and state in education
ChristianToday.com reports that the Evangelical Alliance of
Ireland (EAI) has joined with Atheist Ireland and Irish Ahmadiyya Muslims to
work for alternatives to religious education in schools.
The groups are hoping to do away with the state-sponsored religious
education course which is required for students.
All three groups believe such a requirement actually harms
religion, as well as the secular state, even though about 85 percent of Irish
people identify as Catholics.
The EAI stated that, in opposing the course, it was seeking to
“protect children from coercion and discrimination in the area of religious
education.”
Michael Nugent, chairman of Atheist Ireland stated, "The
minister for education should immediately issue a circular letter informing all
schools at second level that the state religious education course is not
compulsory and students can choose another subject, and schools should actively
inform students and parents about this.”
Imam Ibrahim Noonan stressed the importance of not allowing one
particular faith to “have the monopoly in the schools.”
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