Allister condemns RE judgment as UUP calls for clarity on Christian teaching in NI schools

TUV MP Jim Allister has sharply criticised a recent Supreme Court judgment on Religious Education (RE) in Northern Ireland, describing the ruling as a threat to the long-established Christian ethos within the region’s school system.

In a strongly worded statement, Mr Allister said he was “deeply disturbed” by aspects of the judgment, particularly the court’s reference to the potential for “indoctrination” within current RE provision.

“As someone who has consistently defended the role of Christian faith in our schools, I am deeply disturbed by the recent judgment on Religious Education,” he said.

“The language used — particularly the inflammatory term ‘indoctrination’ is an affront not only to teachers and parents but to the Christian foundations upon which our education system has long rested.

“I reject entirely the suggestion that Christian teaching in our schools amounts to indoctrination. That word has been weaponised to belittle the sincere Christian ethos that shaped our society, our laws and our moral compass. It is an insult to the thousands of teachers who faithfully and honourably deliver RE.”

Mr Allister argued that the judgment places disproportionate weight on the rights of non-Christian parents, warning that it risks eroding the traditions supported by many families in Northern Ireland.

“Moreover, in this judgment we see another insidious elevation of rights of non-Christian parents over those of Christian parents,” he added.

Calling the ruling “a major challenge to the Education Minister,” he pressed the Department of Education to act swiftly.

“This judgement is a major challenge to the Education Minister. How will he protect Christian values in our schools?” he said. “Parents across Northern Ireland deserve clarity and leadership. What steps will be taken — immediately — to ensure that RE is not stripped of the Christian foundation?

“The Minister must make clear how he will ensure parents retain the right to have their children taught within a Christian ethos without dilution.”

UUP: Schools Need Clarity After “Significant” Ruling

Ulster Unionist Education spokesperson Jon Burrows MLA also responded to the ruling, acknowledging the concern it may cause and calling for urgent guidance from the Department of Education.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling on religious education and Christian worship in Northern Ireland schools is significant and will understandably cause uncertainty and concern across our education sector,” he said.

“Christian worship and Religious Education have been part of school life here in Northern Ireland for a long time but have co-existed with the accepted right of parents to withdraw their children from both.”

Mr Burrows noted that the Ulster Unionist Party would examine the judgment in detail but said schools needed clarity to avoid confusion.

“It is vital that the Department of Education urgently provide clarity on the scope and full implications of this ruling. Schools need clear and swift guidance on how to manage this in a common sense way that protects their ability to teach Religious Education lawfully while respecting parental rights,” he said.

While stressing that “no child should ever be stigmatised” for opting out of RE, he said many would disagree with the suggestion that existing practice constituted indoctrination.

“This is a long and complex judgment which requires careful consideration, and we expect the Education Minister to provide urgent interim clarity for schools and parents,” he added.

Mr Burrows said the Department must now find a way to align the curriculum with the ruling while protecting a system valued by generations of families.

“The Department must now examine how the curriculum can comply with the law while continuing a system that has worked well for generations.

“Religious Education remains one of the most popular GCSE and A-level subjects, and the right to opt out of collective worship was previously adjudicated correctly.

“This ruling risks overlooking the rights and heritage valued by the majority of parents who want to see the current system continue.”