Speaking on Radio 4’s Thought for the Day slot this morning, Christian novelist and broadcaster Rhidian Brook argued that Jesus would not support exclusive school admission policies. Mr Brook is by no means the first Christian to make these arguments, although to our knowledge it is the first time they have been aired on TftD.
The ‘thought’ started with a discussion of the case currently in the Supreme Court on the legality of school admissions based on Jewish descent. But it went on to consider how tests based on practice also have very serious problems, with parents attending church simply to get a school place for their child.
Rhidian Brook is the latest in a long line of religious figures who have questioned whether the current rules for faith schools can be justified either socially or religiously. The religion and society thinktank Ekklesia, which is one of Accord’s founder members, made a detailed Christian case for Accord when the coalition launched a year ago . Earlier this year, Rev Jeremy Chadd eloquently expressed why as the “vicar of a very ordinary Anglican church” he has seen first-hand howChurch schools can be less than Christian. Likewise, Accord Chair Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain has also explained how his vision of an inclusive education systemsprings in part from religious motives and Accord also has support from Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus.
As well as religious supporters, Accord is proud to have the support of non-religious people and organisations such as British Humanist Association, whose motivation is deeply rooted in humanist ethics, and from teachers’ union ATL who bring their great experience of what works in education to the campaign.
Accord is a growing coalition that welcomes support from all of those who agree with our aims. We always need more supporters, so if you know someone who might be interested in signing up then please let them know about the campaign.
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