Sir, – Aoife Cassidy (Letters, September 18th) rightly supports the notion of moving “faith formation” to classes outside of school hours. She also suggests that while parents wait for political leadership on the issue, schools might facilitate children who want to opt out of such classes.
She shouldn’t hold her breath on such progress. One of the key reasons a religious organisation might like to keep control of schools lies in the potential value in recruiting and retaining members.
There is a lot of kicking and screaming to be endured before that grip on the hearts and minds of children is loosened.
Might I suggest we begin with what is achievable while we await that necessary purge of our education system.
I felt rejected and unwanted in my sexless marriage
‘They think they’re no good and that they shouldn’t be in this world’
Jonathan Coe: ‘The morning after the election felt like waking up in a safe room, having been in an abusive relationship for 14 years’
Irish postpunk band Gurriers: ‘Everyone asks about the Dublin music scene. It’s not just Dublin any more, it’s everywhere’
We could start by dropping the recently coined term “faith formation” and more correctly describe it for what it really is – indoctrination or, indeed, brainwashing. – Yours, etc,
JOHN MULLIGAN,
Boyle,
Co Roscommon.