Nicol Stephen, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, became the most senior member of the Scottish Executive to criticise state-funded faith schools after he said he “understood” concerns that faith-based education could be divisive, reports the Scottish Sunday Herald.
The Aberdeen South MSP said he wanted his party to debate the future of denominational education in the country as well as give its support to proposals that would further cooperation between schools.
According to Mr Stephen, faith schools are a divisive issue north of the border.
“I understand the argument that faith schools are divisive. It is a difficult and very emotive issue and an important issue for Scotland in the future.
“I supported as education minister the move towards greater co-operation,” he said.
Mr Stephen also said the issue of religious schools would be debated further by his party in the run up to elections to the Scottish Parliament next year.
“There will be a debate on the issue of faith schools before next year’s election. There are strong views on both sides. It’s a debate about the current system and how it may develop in time. I favour a closer understanding between schools,” he said.A source close to the deputy first minister was quoted by the Sunday Herald as saying: “A debate on faith schools is fast moving up the party’s agenda. There is the very real question of keeping the state and faith apart in a multi-faith society. Nicol believes there should be one Scotland. Faith should not be something that sets up barriers.
“He is prepared to stick his head above the parapet and answer questions about this issue. It is not going to go away,” the source said.
Mr Stephen is the first member of the Scottish Executive to publicly question the current position and future of faith schools in Scotland.
Faith schools, including schools of faiths other than Christianity, currently enjoy the support of Labour First Minister Jack McConnell, with the Scottish Tories saying they are “comfortable” with the continued contribution of faith schools in the education sector.
A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said: “Many non-Catholic parents send their children to Catholic schools because they are popular. If Nicol Stephen wants to limit parental choice, then that speaks volumes for him.”
