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‘Faith formation’ in schools

New term needed

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.

Sir, – Aoife Cassidy (Letters, September 18th) rightly supports the notion of moving “faith formation” to classes outside of school hours. She also suggests that while parents wait for political leadership on the issue, schools might facilitate children who want to opt out of such classes.

She shouldn’t hold her breath on such progress. One of the key reasons a religious organisation might like to keep control of schools lies in the potential value in recruiting and retaining members.

There is a lot of kicking and screaming to be endured before that grip on the hearts and minds of children is loosened.

Might I suggest we begin with what is achievable while we await that necessary purge of our education system.

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We could start by dropping the recently coined term “faith formation” and more correctly describe it for what it really is – indoctrination or, indeed, brainwashing. – Yours, etc,

JOHN MULLIGAN,

Boyle,

Co Roscommon.