Clwyd West AM Darren Millar is urging the Welsh Government to scrap its plans to abolish Religious Education as a stand alone subject in schools.
During questions in the Senedd earlier this month, the Education Minister announced the abolition of Religious Education as a stand alone subject and the development of a wider subject curriculum which will now include philosophy and ethics.
Darren, who is also Chair of the Assembly's Cross Party Group on Faith, said:
“I was alarmed to learn of plans by the Welsh Education Minister to change the way in which Religious Education will be delivered as part of the National Curriculum in Wales.
“I am concerned that these proposals are likely to result in a much diluted religious education curriculum which fails to recognise the increasingly important contribution which RE makes to addressing challenges around citizenship, extremism and intolerance in 21st century society in Wales.”
In response to the announcement Darren sought to determine what engagement there had been with faith communities in relation to the proposals.
He added:
“It is extremely disappointing that the Welsh Government has failed to engage or consult with faith communities about the proposed changes to the RE curriculum. It is important that such stakeholders have a say when changes like these are proposed.
"I urge the Minister to rethink these plans, go back to the drawing board and listen carefully to the views of faith groups before imposing any changes on what is an increasingly popular and important part of the national curriculum.”