The House of Lords has agreed to adopt an amendment to the Education and Inspections Bill which would enable state school pupils over the compulsory school age to opt out of collective acts of worship. 

Amendment No. 217A means that parents would no longer be responsible for withdrawing consent to participate in religious services for those over 16, and the spiritual life of Catholic schools could be significantly affected by the move.

Proposed by the Baroness Lady Walmsley, the late amendment was discussed briefly on 18 July during the Committee Stage of the Bill, and seeks to use Human Rights legislation to support its aim.

Lady Walmsley said: “leading human rights lawyers believe that there is no justification for forcing young people to take part in a religious service with which they do not agree….It would be strange for a young person to be old enough to work, pay taxes, manage his own money, get married, have children, fight for his country and possibly even vote but not be competent to absent himself from an act of collective worship….If we want young people to take responsibility and act maturely, surely we should respect their rights to decide for themselves on a matter such as this.”

The CES acknowledges that forcing young people to participate in communal prayer against their will is not the intention of the Church.  Nevertheless, it argues that the ongoing spiritual and moral development of pupils is well served by prayer, reflection and contemplation.  As they gain in maturity, those of Sixth Form age in particular are faced with many complex decisions as they seek to discern the direction of their lives.  Community worship should therefore be associated with participation in the life of a Catholic school.

“Pupil and parental choices must always be taken into account, and if a pupil chooses a Catholic school or college for their post-GCSE studies, the prayer life of the school is part of the package.  It is not unreasonable to expect that pupil to join in with the associated religious activities, including attendance at prayer and worship.  The celebration of Mass is often a highlight of a Sixth Form or Sixth Form College’s calendar, marking important events in the life of the school.  The CES hopes that all teachers and students would be able - indeed would actively wish - to participate on such occasions”, said Oona Stannard, Chief Executive of the CES.

Nonetheless, the Lords agreed to accept the amendment, as declared by Education Minister Lord Adonis:

 “Pupils aged over 16 should be able to withdraw themselves from collective worship rather than it being a matter for parental consent, as it is for 16 year-olds and under. We will discuss that further with our partners in the faith communities and beyond, but I will seek to move an appropriate amendment at Report (stage).

Beyond that, we do not think it right to reopen the whole issue of collective worship on which there is a fairly broad consensus within the educational and faith communities. I say broad rather than universal because nothing pertaining to faith has universal consensus…However, in the context of the right of parents to withdraw their children, the flexibilities that schools have in respect of the diversity of their communities and the way that they conduct collective worship, we do not see a case for a wider change.”

The CES welcomes the Minister’s commitment to consult with faith communities, and to allow schools to develop their own patterns of collective worship, however it remains concerned at the impact Amendment No. 217A could have on Catholic schools and colleges and on the personal development of pupils.