Northern Ireland Confirms Christianity Will Remain Central in School Curriculum

Northern Ireland Reviews RE Provision but Confirms Christianity Will Remain Central in School Syllabus

Northern Ireland's Education Minister Paul Givan has confirmed that Christianity will "remain central" in the school Religious Education syllabus, even as the provision undergoes a formal review.

The announcement comes amid growing debates across the UK about whether RE curricula should be reformed to reflect the country's increasing religious diversity and secularization. In England and Wales, similar reviews have led to calls for Christianity to share equal or reduced standing with other worldviews.

Givan's confirmation that Christianity maintains its central place is significant for Northern Ireland, where the faith has historically played a foundational role in education and public life.

Christianity Holds Its Place in Northern Ireland Schools Amid UK Wide RE Debates

The review will examine how RE is delivered across schools in Northern Ireland, but the minister's statement provides assurance that any changes will not diminish Christianity's prominence in the curriculum.

The Crusader's Opinion

In England, they are debating whether to teach Christianity at all. In Northern Ireland, the Education Minister just confirmed it stays central. That is the difference between a government that remembers where it came from and one that is embarrassed by its own heritage. Christianity built the schools. Christianity built the hospitals. Christianity built the legal framework. To remove it from the curriculum is not progress. It is amnesia.

Take Action

• Share: Share this good news from Northern Ireland. Christianity is staying in schools.
• Act: Check what RE your children are being taught. Ensure Christianity is represented accurately and substantively.
• Pray: Pray for Christian education across the UK and for governments that honor their Christian heritage.