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LONDON, ENGLAND, April 28, 2004: British school students should be taught the basics of the country’s six principal religions: Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism, as well as Christianity and Judaism — states a report by the government’s curriculum and examinations watchdog. Education Secretary Charles Clarke said: “Religious education plays an important part in our children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.” The report also calls on young people to study other minority religious traditions, (singling out the Baha’i faith, Jainism and Zoroastrianism), and should also consider secular philosophies, such as humanism. Pupils should be able to study minority religions that have a following in their community. The report was broadly welcomed by all the faith groups. The Church of England recognized the sensitive handling of this issue. The Muslim Council of Britain and the Muslim Educational Trust said the report sought to promote a pluralistic society. The guidelines make it clear that Christianity, the country’s main religion, should be studied by all pupils throughout their schooling, whilst study of other religions would be completed in phases from the ages of five to fourteen. Young pupils should visit different places of worship. Teachers should promote respect for the differences in peoples, and warn of the “destructive power of prejudice, racism, discrimination, offending behavior and bullying.” The guidance is not statutory, but many schools are expected to follow its principles. The report states that religious education in Britain should be a statutory requirement and that it should reflect the particular needs of local communities.”

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