RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND TOLERANCE

That this House notes that Religious Education (RE) is a rigorous academic subject that allows young people to increase their knowledge and understanding of a range of religious and non-religious beliefs; further notes the importance of mutual understanding and the community cohesion it engenders, particularly at this time of heightened tension; recognises the contribution the subject RE plays in fostering mutual understanding and respect between people with different religious and non-religious beliefs; supports the efforts of schools and local authorities who give RE the attention and status it merits in the curriculum; and urges that measures to ensure that all children explore and discuss religious and non-religious beliefs at school be pursued by the Government.