Christian ethos in schools to be maintained, says minister

Paul Givan was responding after the UK Supreme Court ruled Christian religious education (RE) taught in schools in Northern Ireland is unlawful

Northern Ireland's Education Minister Paul Givan has said he will ensure the "Christian ethos in our schools is maintained".

He was responding after the UK Supreme Court ruled Christian-based religious education (RE) taught in schools in Northern Ireland is unlawful.

Givan said he was seeking further legal advice "to understand the full implications" but plans to issue guidance to schools in the coming weeks.

The minister also insisted "nativity plays can continue to take place" as he responded to questions in the Stormont assembly.

The landmark ruling followed a long-running case brought by an unnamed father and daughter.

It looked at issues including the teaching of RE and the practice of collective worship in schools.

'Comprehensive guidance' coming to schools

Speaking on Monday, Givan said he would "issue comprehensive guidance to schools on both issues in the coming weeks".

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) minister said the court "did not strike down the existing legislation".

"Both religious education and collective worship can, and legally is required to, continue in schools. Indeed there is a legal obligation that they must continue," he added.

Givan said that "historically and today, Christianity is the main religion in Northern Ireland".

"Furthermore the court has explained that it is within the department's margin of appreciation in planning and setting the curriculum for the greater part of religious education to focus on knowledge of Christianity," he said.

"This is a complex judgement that cannot be ignored, but it is important to fully understand the issues before acting."

Givan said that in his full response to the judgement, he would be "ensuring that our Christian ethos in our schools is maintained".

The minister was asked by party colleague Brian Kingston about schools planning nativity plays ahead of Christmas.

Givan said it was a question that "principals have reached out to my department and to other organisations seeking advice upon".

"I can give an absolute categoric answer: Nativity plays can continue to take place within our schools," he said.