Our Principles
if teaching about religions and worldviews is to have application and relevance in a plural society, it must include balanced and meaningful learning about a diverse range of beliefs.
oUR Principles
We are guided by and support the internationally recognised Toledo Guiding Principles on Teaching about Religions and Beliefs in Public Schools, prepared by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights’ advisory council of experts on freedom of religion or belief. We specifically highlight the following when considering religion or belief in Northern Ireland schools:
Teaching about religions and worldviews must be provided in ways that are fair, accurate, and based on sound scholarship. Students should learn about religions and beliefs in an environment respectful of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and civic values.
The preparation of curricula, textbooks, and educational materials for teaching about religions and worldviews should take into account religious and non-religious views in a way that is inclusive, fair, and respectful. Care should be taken to avoid inaccurate or prejudicial material, particularly when this reinforces negative stereotypes.
Curricula should be developed in accordance with recognised professional standards in order to ensure a balanced approach to study about religions and beliefs
Any basic teacher preparation should be framed and developed according to democratic and human rights principles and include insight into cultural and religious diversity in society
We recognise the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) provides that:
A. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.
B. No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
C. The States Parties to the Covenant undertake to have respect for the liberty of parents and, when applicable, legal guardians to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.
