God in school

I was pleased to see Edinburgh Secular Society highlighting the anachronism that is nominated religious representatives on council education committees.

The fact that several church leaders have conceded that this is a privilege is welcome reassurance of their dawning understanding that religion is good for some but not all.

However, Michael McGrath, director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service, says: “Schools were first founded by the churches and the existence of church representatives reflects that long-standing connection.”

This is an absurd position,
tantamount to moving house but demanding to retain a back 
door key.

Other church leaders try to portray unelected religious committee members as benevolent public servants but in its 
comprehensive list, Edinburgh Secular Society has discovered sitting religious representatives who espouse creationism and faith healing.

Hardly an appropriate “connection” to maintain with our education system.

Neil Barber

Edinburgh