Why should those claiming a faith be given taxpayers money to instil their own view on children? Are there any guarantees that Catholic or Muslim schools, for instance, won't portray lesbian and gay people as evil?
Education and religion should be kept separate unless there is a guarantee that opposite views and different religious and non-religious groups will be given the same amount of school time.
Gary Williams

As a Christian I say lets go down the French system and make all education non-religious based so that true inclusivity amongst all nationalities, creeds and cultures can be recognised and the full ability of the child recognised above all else.
Ian Payne

I grew up in a non faith based school as a Christian I learnt RE from a confirmed atheist, the teaching on Christianity did not always with my beliefs but it was educational.
I have big worries about segregating people on the grounds of their beliefs and faiths; surely this can not be helpful to situations where intolerance exists? How can children learn the basic similarities that they have in common if they never meet, and do not encounter a range of people.
Identity and faith are highly important, but intolerance and misunderstandings occur when people are taught that they are intrinsically different, how can a child be expected to learn anything but that if they learn in separate environments?
Rach

I am very strongly in favour of faith-based schools, and warmly welcome the Government initiatives.
As a Christian pastor I am firmly in favour of Christian education, and of course I feel that same advantage should be extended to people of all faiths.
Moreover, not only are there positive advantages to faith-based education, it also serves to protect children from the increasingly corrosive cultural atmosphere of secular education, with its promotion of under-age sex, abortion, homosexuality and so on as not only normal and acceptable, but somehow to be specially praised and encouraged.
For children to be brought up in the moral and cultural context of their own (or at least their parents') faith can only be beneficial - the excellently measured comments of Hari Singh (see article) say it exactly.
Mike Farley

Faith schools are divisive, regressive and repressive.
They (and sectarian) schools are by definition segregationist. Segregation breeds ignorance, distrust and fear. Look no further than N. Ireland.
They are discriminatory. Discrimination on any grounds is destructive, unfair and unethical; whether it be in the workplace, public service provision, or religious grounds.
All schools should be inclusive and provide for children and parents of all beliefs - religious and non-religious - to learn to respect and understand one another through impartial and balanced education about shared and sharing human values.
Furthermore, schools should be required to end assemblies that include religious worship in any form.
Hugh Clark

I am totally appalled at the government support for faith schools. Religion is one of the main causes of disputes and wars. It is essential children are taught about religion and its impact on society, but not brain washed into any particular faith.
Children (and adults) need to be encouraged to think and question, not blindly accept the teachings of a particular faith. Children need to be taught those values we all hold dear of love and truth, justice and integrity. These values are not exclusive to particular faiths, although each faith may encompass them.
Catherine Brown

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