SCHOOL principals are split down the middle over the role of religion in primary schools.Some say it should be separate from the primary school completely or offered as an option at the end of the school day.
But others see religion as an integral part of the school day -- as it currently is, particularly in Catholic schools.
However, almost a quarter of principals say the enthusiasm, willingness, competency and suitability of teachers to undertake faith formation and religious instruction is decreasing. Other findings from the survey of 750 principals include:
*50pc say that the involvement of parents is decreasing.
* 40pc say the involvement of clergy is decreasing.
* 87pc say that the preparation for sacraments and other religious ceremonies takes some or a lot more additional time from other curriculum areas, mainly in second and sixth classes and seasonally throughout the year in other classes.
Two out of three who responded to the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) survey would prefer schools to be under the authority of the State with all religions given equal opportunity.
The proposed new VEC model of multi-faith schools, where the school is responsible for religious instruction and faith formation for each faith group, is considered difficult or impossible to implement by four out of five of those surveyed.
"A practical way to deal with this issue would be for schools to teach a general programme of faith and morals common to many religions while the parents and clergy of the parish of whatever denomination they are take care of the specific faith formation and ceremonies if they are genuinely interested in passing on their faith," one principal commented.
The latest survey follows a Red C poll of 327 parents, which indicated a preference for a state-run school with equality for all religions over a school promoting one particular religion. This contradicts a larger poll run for the Catholic Church and published in April.
"The debate about school governance must not be confined to matters of ethos and the teaching of religion. An effective governance model must provide a management capacity as well," said IPPN national director Sean Cottrell.
Danger
"Effective management is essential to the running of a successful school. There is a danger of being hung-up on the issue of religion in schools which, while important, is a subsidiary issue to a far greater need which is not being addressed.
"Primary school boards of management are left to operate without proper legal, financial, building and human resource supports.
"With increasing legislative responsibility and litigation, it is little wonder that volunteerism is declining and schools find it increasingly difficult to establish a board of management. Focussing exclusively on the place of religion in future schools is akin to rearranging the deckchairs on a ship," Mr Cottrell added.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to either myself or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that I agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Sotto Voce