It is clear, from the opening paragraph of his letter on the draft proposals for A Curriculum for Excellence religious education in Catholic schools, that Martin Mills is confused on a number of accounts (TESS June 13).
This is evidenced by his suggestion that these proposals, when taken with the proposals for religious and moral education, should constitute a single rationale for religious education.
These have been published as two sets of proposals for two very different contexts. In the case of Catholic schools, it is clear that they have been designed to support an education “in faith”, rather than “about faith”. This is perfectly compatible with the rationale for Catholic education in Scotland and with the statutory framework in which they operate.
I welcome the intention that the ACfE “engagement” process will enable teachers, parents, academics and others from a range of backgrounds to submit comments on these proposals. However, I would hope that any contributions which purport to claim some academic authority will do better than to cite anonymous theologians in support of their personal views.
Michael McGrath, director, Scottish Catholic Education Service.
