Changes to post-primary education in the North leave parents and children facing an uncertain future, Catholic bishops warned tonight.
There is an urgent need for clear details on how pupils transfer to new schools at age 11 or 14, the church said.
Next year will be the last time the 11-plus examination is sat by pupils and Sinn Fein Education Minister Caitriona Ruane wants key schooling decisions to be taken at age 14.
The bishops' statement said: "Much, however, remains to be clarified by the minister and her department.
"There is an urgent need for clear details as to how pupils will transfer both at 11 and at 14. "If this clarity isn't given, the uncertainty remains."
The minister yesterday described her statement as visionary. Even though she cautioned she would battle to the end to see the proposals through, school principals vowed to resist the most radical change to the system for 60 years.
Ms Ruane has threatened not to fund any independent tests. Community, geographical and family factors as well as teacher and parental guidance will be the key to decisions on post-primary education by 2010, she said. Local area groups made up of education experts will decide the exact structures.
Meanwhile, speaking after the first meeting of the northern bishops since his elevation to the rank of cardinal, Dr Sean Brady urged people to unite to reject violence. "Recent attacks on members of the PSNI are a direct attack on the right to life and the freedom of all to play their part in the new agreed institutions of Northern Ireland," he said.
PA