Joint Pastoral Letter on Catholic schools (2nd September 2007)
We, the Catholic Bishops of England and
For a very long time now, the Catholic Church has been an
important partner with public authorities in the provision of education for the
children and young people of
Recent and current calls from some for the abolition of faith
schools, or their curtailment, fail to take account of this rich history of
co-operation between Church and State which has been to the mutual benefit of
both. They also fail to take account of the current achievements of our
schools. Independent research and inspection conducted by the
Government’s own offices demonstrate how well our schools perform,
academically and in moral and social education; that they are catering for as
wide a range of pupils as any other group of schools, whether the measure be
ability, poverty or ethnic identity. They also welcome pupils from the wider
community, beyond the Catholic Church, wherever there are places available.
Underlying these indications of the success of our schools is
their distinctiveness. Catholic schools are guided in all they do by an
important and coherent vision of education. This vision is based on the truth
revealed by God about ourselves, our life together in community and our
ultimate destiny with God. This gives rise to an educational endeavour centred
on the person of Jesus Christ, who is our Way, Truth and Life. Over a long
period of time, this approach to education has proved to be one that prepares
children and young people well for whatever roles they take on in society or
public life, as well as for their personal and family lives. The commitment of
the Catholic Church to inter-faith dialogue and to working with other
Christians provides a further basis for young peoples’ contribution to
peaceful social cohesion.
At times, this vision of education stands in contrast to a
secular model of education, based on the values of the prevailing culture,
which are often far from clear and not always shared.
Those who choose Catholic schools for their children are, in
effect, seeking an alternative model of education. Despite the claims of those
who propose a purely secular model for all schools, there is no such thing as a
“value-free” education. Catholic schools are clear and robust in
the principles which guide them and the moral framework within which they
educate.
Schooling has been, and remains, an important part of the mission
of the Church. The aims of our schools are to help everyone within the school
community to grow in faith; to make the most of every ability they have been
given; to achieve academic excellence and to prepare well for adult life in a
modern and diverse society. These tasks are, of course, carried out in close
cooperation with local and national government.
From time to time, bishops and diocesan authorities need to
review school provision within specific areas, usually in response to
population changes. This will bring about changes in the provision with
occasional closures as well as the expansion or re-building of schools. Any
such changes are always made after careful consideration of all the factors
involved, including the impact on both the local Church community and the
neighbourhood.
We urge all members of the Catholic community to value our
schools. So we encourage Catholic parents to send their children to the local
Catholic school and to be actively involved in its life. We encourage people to
work in our schools as Catholic head teachers, teachers, classroom assistants
or in other roles. We encourage people to serve as foundation governors to
continue supporting and promoting the vision of education on which our schools
are founded. We encourage teachers, at their union meetings, and parents or
parishioners, in their dealings with politicians, to speak up positively, on
the basis of evidence, about the achievements and nature of our schools.
Funding our alternative model of education is a costly, but worthwhile,
exercise and we thank all those who contribute to this.
As the new school year gets underway, we invite everyone in the
Catholic community to join us in praying for all those who are involved in the
life of our schools. May this be a good year for pupils and staff, parents and
governors, and the local community in which each of our schools is set. May God
bless our educational enterprise for the good of our society.
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor
President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of
Archbishop of
Archbishop Patrick Kelly
Vice-President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of
Archbishop of