Teaching religion in schools

A chara, – In Ireland we pride ourselves on having a child-centered primary curriculum. The social and personal development of the individual is also a fundamental goal of our secondary education system. This raises a question for Greg Scanlon ( August 8th) and Ivor Shorts ( August 3rd). Is it possible to provide child-centered education in publicly-funded schools that eschew the importance of religion in the lives of many parents and young people of different persuasions? It goes without saying, of course, that pluralism, tolerance and inclusion are fundamental educational principles. Nobody ever said this would be easy! – Is mise,

Prof JIM GLEESON,

Australian Catholic

University,

Brisbane, Australia.