There is no such thing as a school with a “neutral” ethos, Fr Tony Mullins, the Chair of the Board of Mary Immaculate College in Limerick said yesterday at a conference attended by Education Minister, Ruairi Quinn (pictured).

Mr Quinn said: “We must now build on the education system so that it is structured to meet the needs of all our pupils. The significant societal changes that have taken place in Ireland have led to increased demand for new forms of multi-denominational and non-denominational schooling.”

In his welcoming address, Fr Mullins said: “The reality is that there is no such thing as a “neutral” school ethos. In fact, a so-called neutral stance is itself a values-laden perspective and one which seeks to exclude our values from the learning process which, by definition, plays a pivotal, indeed a foundational role in the development of the individual. 

He added: “We are blessed to live in a country which upholds the right to religious freedom. We respect those who choose not to live according to the values to which we live and it is only right that we should do so. 

“However, this respect must be equitable and reciprocated. To tell students and parents that there is no place for faith in the school is to tell them that there is a fundamental part of themselves that they must leave outside the classroom door. There is no inclusivity in a policy of this type.” 

Fr Mullins said that the debate on the future of faith based education was very welcome and that change is needed. 

That debate should be conducted in a spirit of openness, partnership and ultimately with integrity, and with grace, he said. 

He added: “We must listen to each other without prejudice and respect the views of all stakeholders, especially the so far silent majority whose voice has yet to be heard.”

“We live in a changing Ireland. One that is becoming increasingly diverse,” continued Fr Mullins. “It is important that we recognise that diversity of itself does not deliver inclusivity, and not diversity in and for itself, but inclusivity and mutual respect, is what we strive for.

“We can have a diverse society which excludes some or all beliefs, or we can have a society which respects and embraces all. As Christians, we are called to respond to diversity with inclusivity and this means working together towards an education system which provides opportunities for all students to learn in an environment which reflects their beliefs whether they be faith based or not. 

“Inclusivity is about not excluding any group or section of society and diversity within our education system can deliver this. However, it must be done based on local demand and in a spirit of partnership, and to manage it effectively we require innovative and pragmatic leadership as well as a sense of realism. 

“Diversity in our education system should not be viewed as a threat. It is to be welcomed as those schools which are faith based can be much less apologetic about their ethos where there is an alternative available to parents who do not wish for a faith based ethos to characterise their children’s education. 

“Therefore, the challenge and the opportunity is to develop a genuine form of pluralism which is built upon respectful encounter and dialogue which recognises and facilitates difference.”

Minister Quinn told the conference that the school system in Ireland should “reflect the richness of diversity of beliefs, values and faith systems of all our citizens”.