Row over kid’s involvement in Muslim prayers at CofE school

Reform UK MP Richard Tice has written to the Archbishop of Canterbury asking her to make clear how Church of England Schools teach children about other faiths.

His letter follows claims that primary school children at a CofE school were made to participate in an Islamic prayer ritual.

Tice said that the parents of a seven-year-old girl in his constituency complained that she had been “coerced, manipulated and cajoled” into kneeling towards Mecca and praying to Allah during an RE lesson.

The Christian father alleged that students were shown a video of Muslims praying of their customary way before being invited to “have a go”. At home his daughter said “We did prayers to Allah”.

This account has been disputed by the Diocese of Lincoln, which has oversight over the varsity.

According to The Telegraph, a spokesman for the Diocesan Board of Education, said, “During the lesson, which began following the relevant lesson plan, pupils were invited to display a number of the movements related to Muslim prayer.

“Although this was outside the lesson’s intended approach, it was not an act of worship – no prayers or religious words were spoken and no child was required to participate. No mats were used and pupils weren’t asked to face any particular direction.”

The spokesman also confirmed that the varsity can be reflecting on its approach.

In his letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Tice asked for more information on how Church schools “approach the teaching of other religions, particularly in a way that respects parental rights and avoids compelling pupils to take part in religious practices”.

He added, “This matter has understandably caused significant concern amongst parents and clarity on the Church’s position can be greatly appreciated.”