Religious education in Germany and England: the recent work of Hans‐Georg Ziebertz

Abstract

Religious education in England and Germany is similar in many respects and different in others. In both countries the subject must embrace religious plurality, and in both there are questions about the role of the religious communities in their relation to religious education. In recent his book, Religious Education in a Plural, Western Society: Problems and Challenges, Hans‐Georg Ziebertz argues that the English model is not appropriate for Germany, and an alternative rationale is proposed as being more appropriate for the German situation. Having outlined his argument, the present article suggests that Ziebertz’ objections to English religious education are unjustified and that his own proposals are no more than an interim measure, made necessary by the control over religious education exercised by the German churches. It is anticipated that German and English religious education will develop along similar lines in the future, and the present dialogue will be mutually beneficial.