Compulsory worship

[Cordychase]

I worked if any other mumsnetters felt the same as me with regards to the religious assemblies in our state primary schools. I think they are irrelevant, uninclusive and indoctrination by stealth. I would describe myself as a humanist. I was appalled when my then 5 year old came home from school one day telling me that God loves us. This statement then lead to a conversation with her about religion and peoples beliefs which I felt she wasn't ready for. I felt like the school has ridden rough shod over my choice not to indoctrinate her in to religion, but when it forms part of the national curriculum there isn't much that can be done. The national association of governors recently voted and agreed it should be removed, also some church leaders, the bha and the nss.

[princessvikki]

I would really not be impressed with that! I am very anti religion of any kind. I do believe children should hear both sides so they can make their own choice but forcing it on 5 year olds is borderline brainwashing. It not very pc either what about all the other religions in the school? Religion should be taught from a neutral perspective so the children can make and informed choice when they are old enough. Have you spoken to the school about your concerns?

[AuntieStella]

You can withdraw your DC from assemblies.

Only when people actually vote with their feet will there be momentum for change.

[MrsHathaway]

I'm a practising Christian and I agree with you. Worship has no place in community schools.

[noramum]

I personally think worship doesn't belong in schools. Teaching RE - as long as it includes all major religions - does. Obviously a primary school teaching can only do so much to the pro and cons and the history of religious wars and indoctrines.

DH and I are hardly religious. DD comes home with stories about the bible and that she believes in God. We explained that religion is a personal choice and DH and I do not believe but obviously respect other people's believes.

I see it similar to the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus, one day DD will realise what exactly religion is and can make an informed choice about it. We have friends who are practising Christians (CoE and RC), so she hears and sees about it in their homes.

As long as the law is not changing I try to counteract by explaing my belief and educate about religion in a wider sense.

[soapboxqueen]

The law requires it though. You can remove your child from these assemblies if you wish. Most are none religious in any case and the odd vicar or priest has about as much chance of indoctrinating a child as walking past the weight watchers section of the supermarket has of making you lose weight.

While it would be lovely to get a good range of religions involved, the reality is that many schools don't have those representatives in their communities eg People willing to volunteer their time in a number of schools every week.

While I doubt you'd see any opposition to changing the requirement in community schools, I don't think their is enough of a ground swell of feeling about it to get it changed either.