DISCUSSION in The TES about increasing the number of religious schools neglects the lessons of history. Religion in practice generates and sustains the hatred of other religions, whatever the worthy objectives of any particular religion purport to be.
Virtually every day we see these hatreds being played out in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Kashmir, Palestine and elsewhere. In the slow and painful ascent of man, in the past few hundred years, religion has played a predominantly negative role, increasing the sum total of human misery. This has been punctuated, I accept, by the example of a few outstanding and redeeming individuals.
But if we wish to Balkanise this country, multiplying single faith schools will be the surest and quickest way to do it.
Clive Delmonte
Rectory Farm
Northampton
