The Free Church of Scotland’s Public Engagement Group (PEG) has expressed concerns that plans by the Scottish government to amend laws relating to spiritual observance and education in schools could have quite a few negative impacts.
A consultation document produced by the Scottish government states that it’s planning to require that the views of kids be taken under consideration with regards to religious education and spiritual observance in class settings.
It is claimed that this can bring Scotland into greater alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
However, the Church’s PEG has said that the proposal “doesn’t provide clarity”, adding that Scottish law is already in compliance with UNCRC. As such the PEG is recommending no change to the present legislative situation.
In a press release, the PEG wrote, “The current provisions respect parental rights by allowing parents to withdraw their children from RO and, in practice, from certain elements of RE if these conflict with their beliefs. This approach aligns with Article 5 of the UNCRC, which emphasizes the importance of parental guidance consistent with the kid’s evolving capacities.”
The group added that religious observance and education constitute a “meaningful and distinctive” a part of the varsity curriculum that promotes “moral and spiritual reflection”.
They warned that the Scottish government proposals could have a negative impact in five key areas.
Religious perspectives could possibly be marginalised by the change, religious illiteracy in Scotland could increase, there will probably be less moral and spiritual reflection, parental rights will probably be undermined, potentially in the shape of the state getting involved in disputes between parents and kids, and greater administrative burden will probably be placed on school staff to evaluate these issues.
The lack of non secular literacy and moral reflection where highlighted as being particular areas of concern as, in accordance with PEG, they may lead to less community cohesion and understanding of difference and reduce the power of Scots to properly engage in debate on ethical issues.
