2:49pm Friday 13th November 2009
By Richard Gurner
An atheist has been snubbed for a second time by a committee which discusses how religion is taught in schools.
Humanist Andrew Edmondson applied for a seat on West Sussex County Council’s advisory committee for religious education and claims he was told he could not have one because humanism was a minority religion.
Humanists believe they can lead their lives without religion and use reason to explain the world and solve problems.
Mr Edmondson said: “This decision is unbelievable. Schools have a legal obligation to promote social cohesion and equality. They need to be impartial, fair and balanced when dealing with the controversial subject of religion and belief.
“If children are taught religious views of life then they should also be taught non-religious views. Anything less is indoctrination by omission.”
Mr Edmondson, a former teacher, first applied for membership of the committee about two-and-a-half years ago but did not get enough votes.
This time the membership was decided by Councillor Peter Griffiths, cabinet member for education.
According to Mr Edmondson, from Balcombe, Coun Griffiths turned down the application initially on the grounds that he thought humanism was a minority religion.
“When he was told humanism is not a religion, he said that it was illogical for it to be included on a committee for religious education.”
Mr Edmondson is now pursuing a complaint against the authority.
A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said: “The county council believes it currently complies with Government guidance which specifically excludes humanists from representation on the relevant Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education Committees.”
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