(At last, what at first glance looks like a welcome initiative from the BHA on religion in
schools - undermined only by the retention of 'in school' RI as BHA policy. "Detailed
religious instruction for insiders belongs in voluntary faith-based classes, in or out of
school." SM) ------
ACCORD
The BHA is one of the founding members of Accord – a coalition campaigning for:
non-discriminatory admissions and employment policies in all state-funded
schools
an objective, fair and balanced syllabus for education about religious and non-
religious beliefs to be pursued in all state-funded schools
all state-funded schools to be made accountable under a single inspection
regime for RE, Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship
the provision of inclusive and inspiring assemblies in the place of compulsory
acts of worship in all state funded schools
The current members of the coalition are: The Association of Teachers and Lecturers, The
British Humanist Association, Ekklesia, Hindu Academy, The Lesbian and Gay Christian
Movement, The Socialist Education Association, and Women Against Fundamentalism. The
BHA is making a large contribution to Accord, which includes the secondment of staff
member Alex Kennedy for most of each week for the rest of this year.
The coalition has already got coverage in The Times, Guardian, Independent, Independent on
Sunday, Daily Express, Jewish Chronicle, Radio 4’s Today Programme, BBC TV and other
media. For example see the BBC News website.
The Coalition’s homepage is www.accordcoalition.org.uk, where you can read more about its
member organisations and high-profile supporters.
For Accord, campaigning means taking positive action to bring an end to religious
discrimination in state-funded schools. Our website has several useful suggestions on how
you can help:
Sign up to register your support for Accord. The campaign will be greatly strengthened by
people who do this.
Email or write your MP to let them know that you disagree with the current religious
discrimination practiced by some state-funded schools. There is a template email to help you
do this on our website.
You can also donate to Accord. The campaign relies on the generous donations of its
supporters - any amount is valuable and greatly appreciated.
As the government introduces new legislation that will further increase religious
discrimination in state schools, Accord believes that now is the time to make a stand for
equality and fairness in state schools, and to promote the benefits that education about a
diversity of beliefs can bring to the life of a child.