Church wants “time for reflection” instead of religious observance 27/1/14
The Church of Scotland (CoS)has joined forces with humanists in a bid to change religious
observance in schools to “time for reflection.”
They demand a law change to remove the reference to “religious observance” in the
Education (Scotland) Act 1980.
They say it should be replaced by a new activity they call “time for reflection”
as a way of ensuring these events are not all about the Christian faith.
Tomorrow, the CoS and Humanist Society Scotland will make a joint submission to MSPs.
The Scottish Government is considering a petition from Secular Scotland’s which wants
school assemblies to be an opt-in activity, instead of the present opt-out arrangements.
Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Convener of the Church and Society Council of the Church
of Scotland said: “We welcome this exciting opportunity to collaborate with our humanist
colleagues in supporting genuinely inclusive Time for Reflection in schools that
supports the community and spiritual development of all pupils whatever their faith
or belief.
“Scotland is a wonderfully diverse nation. Regular, inclusive Time for Reflection
will enhance young people’s ability to celebrate difference rooted in respect.”
Douglas McLellan, Chief Executive of the Humanist Society Scotland said: “We welcome
the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Kirk. We urge the Public Petitions
Committee to make strong recommendations for the change of Religious Observance to
‘Time for Reflection.’
“This removes the religious exclusivity of the current system and brings about fairness
and equality for all. If this change is made, it will bring current practices in-line
with the modern demographic in Scotland.”