Those involved in RE know just how important our subject is in an uncertain and all-too-often volatile world. We know of the positive part it can play in encouraging community cohesion, critical thinking, empathy and understanding.

However, there is now serious national concern that some of the government's policies contain imminent and drastic threats to the future of RE. It's not perceived as a deliberate conspiracy; rather they are probably unintended and un-thought out consequences of major government priorities. Although some of these issues relate to secondary schools, others will impinge across the age range.

The recent Government White Paper makes no overt reference to the need for young people to understand the complex inter-relationships of religion and belief in contemporary society. There has never been a greater need for good Religious Education to help create a more religiously literate and cohesive society.

Neither is there any apparent recognition of the role schools need to play in the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of their pupils, one of the central duties as set out in the National Curriculum (2000).
Many of us are dismayed at the omission of Religious Studies from the list of 'Humanities' subjects in the proposed English Baccalaureate. The multi disciplinary nature of this subject, involving textual study, philosophical thinking, ethics, social understanding and the skills of analysis and reasoning make it a valued qualification

However - Celebrating RE is a National Celebration of Religious Education taking place throughout March 2011. 'Celebrating Religious Education' will:

• celebrate Religious Education and its contribution to the education and personal development of all pupils
• recognise the links between RE and local, regional and national faith communities
• raise public awareness of RE?s distinctive contribution to society and social cohesion
• promote imaginative examples of debating the „big questions? of meaning, purpose and moral responsibility
• promote creativity and excellence in RE
• disseminate case studies and models of good practice
• encourage: partnerships between teachers, head teachers, advisers , local authorities, SACREs, Inter Faith groups and local faith and belief communities, parents, employers and the media

Visit the new website at www.celebratingre.org to find out more about how you can get involved.

Mary Judkins, Wakefield