Press Statement — Alex Easton MP
I am deeply troubled by today’s ruling from the UK Supreme Court which declares that the long-standing model of Religious Education and collective worship in our schools does not comply with human rights legislation. For generations, faith, moral teaching, and the Christian ethos have played a vital and stabilising role in shaping both education and society in Northern Ireland. This judgment now places that foundation under threat.
It is, regrettably, not surprising to hear the Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party welcoming this ruling — one would expect nothing less from a party which has consistently sought to distance public life from Christian principles and tradition. However, many across our community will view today’s development not as progress, but as yet another attempt to dilute or dismantle our Christian heritage.
This ruling is not just a legal technicality — it signals a profound shift in how religion, belief, and culture are treated within our education system. While we must acknowledge and respect the diversity of beliefs in modern society, I cannot support any approach that risks sidelining or erasing the Christian framework that has guided our understanding of moral responsibility, compassion, and community values for decades.
Parents must remain at the heart of decisions about their children’s moral and spiritual education. The possibility that Christian teaching could now be weakened or replaced in classrooms is deeply concerning. Reform should never mean abandoning identity, nor should it reduce our shared heritage to something negotiable or disposable.
Any future approach to Religious Education must protect the Christian foundation of the curriculum while providing balanced space to learn about other beliefs. Balance is sensible — replacement is unacceptable.
I will be seeking urgent engagement with the Department of Education to ensure that the voices of parents, teachers, churches, and the wider public are heard before any changes are made. A decision of this significance cannot be rushed or imposed without meaningful consultation.
Northern Ireland’s education system must continue to reflect who we are — a society with deep Christian roots, moral values, and traditions that deserve respect, not removal.
Alex Easton MP
Member of Parliament for North Down
