However, inclusive can mean two very different things. On the one hand, it can aspire to a culture where people of all faiths (including humanists) can celebrate together. On the other hand, it can amount to celebrating so-called “shared” human values that can often exclude. I well remember a headteacher complaining vociferously about her “problem” parents who would not subscribe to the “shared” values of the school.

One wonders which view of inclusive assemblies the BHA promotes? One of its vice-presidents, Professor Richard Dawkins, is well-known for his view that religious faith is a form of non-thinking, even a dangerous virus. As a Christian in education, my fear is that the model of inclusive assemblies will propagate the humanist view of religion.

Trevor Cooling

Director, Transforming Lives Project, Stapleford centre

Frederick Road, Stapleford

Nottingham