Fulfilling Article 29:1 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child—the Aims of Education—through Religious Education

Abstract

Abstract This article examines whether or not the ubiquitous model of religious education (i.e., non-confessional multifaith religious education (re)) in state schools in Great Britain is capable of fulfilling the aims of education articulated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (uncrc). It maintains that to the degree that this re model aims to promote critical, rational, and cognitive understanding of religion, it seeks to facilitate the development of children’s mental abilities. It also contends that to the extent that re curriculum contents mirror the theistic worldviews and non-theistic ideologies identified within its pluralistic social order, this curriculum subject aims to foster children’s development of respect for: human rights and fundamental freedoms; individual identity, affiliation, cultural diversity and pluralism; mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence; and, the natural environment. In these respects, re in state schools in Great Britain aspires to fulfil the educational aims enunciated in the uncrc.