Christian leaders in Northern Ireland have responded to the UK Supreme Court ruling that Christian-focused religious education (RE) and collective worship in schools breach human rights standards.
The landmark judgment, which upheld an appeal by a pupil known as JR87 and her father, found that RE and collective worship must be taught in an objective, critical, and pluralistic way. The case did not seek to remove religion from schools but challenged instruction that could amount to indoctrination.
The ruling allows Christian prayers and hymns to continue in assemblies, but schools need to ensure a greater variety of speakers and perspectives are included.
DUP MP for Strangford, Jim Shannon, expressed concern over the ruling, calling it a retrograde step. He told Premier Christian News: "You can't disregard God and disregard the Bible and disregard prayer at your power."
Meanwhile, DUP MP for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart, also criticised the decision. She commented on X following the ruling: "Disappointing news today at the Supreme Court, but we remain steadfast. Christian teaching and values have long been part of school life in Northern Ireland, and we will continue working to ensure they are protected."
However, David Smyth, head of the Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland, encouraged Christians to view the ruling as an opportunity rather than a threat. He told Premier:
"This ruling does not shut down the place of Christianity in schools… Ministers can still come in to do assemblies and things like that. What has changed is that religion should be taught in a more objective, critical and pluralistic way."
Smyth highlighted that schools are still entitled to maintain a Christian ethos, reflecting the cultural context of Northern Ireland.
"Good religious education is about helping children to understand religion and different beliefs," he said. "This is not a moment for fear. Christians should respond with positivity and imagination."
