A column in the opinion section of today’s Telegraph has caught my eye.
The alternative to secular multi-culturalism is not an enforced integration, such as we see in France. What is required is a proper and mutually respectful co-operation between religious faith and public authorities.
Enforced integration? At what point were the children concerned given a choice of faith. Religions themselves appear, to varying degrees, to rely upon a degree of enforcement from an early age. I believe that religious belief is stronger if based upon practice not enforcement (or indoctrination). I believe it would be better for all religions (and society as a whole) to have followers who have made an informed choice to follow a particular faith. I do not feel it is the role of the state to fund religious enrolment programmes.
Where I do agree with the Archbishop is his assertion that there is a ‘spiritual vacuum’ within society. Where I don’t agree with him is in believing that separating children on the basis of an acquired faith improves that position. As I have stated previously, I want all people of all faiths to be at peace with each other in this country. All faiths have a responsibility to preach tolerance. The government of this country has a responsibility to protect and nurture British society. An integral part of that responsibility is to actively encourage integration. I fail to see how single faith schools fit into that endeavour.
