Sir, Does the justifiable concern of David Bell about Islamic schools (report, January 18) not strengthen the case for an entirely secular school system in which religions are taught about rather than taught? Children should learn about the role religions have played in the lives of peoples, but should not be expected to take part in any indoctrination or rituals.

All schools should be either brought into the state sector or severely scrutinised as to what they are teaching or, moreover, preaching. Religion would then be left to the private sphere of home and meeting house, sectarianism would be dealt a severe blow and harmony given a fair chance to thrive.

Yours faithfully,
ANDREW ARMITAGE,
Rhyd Dderwen, Hebron,
Whitland, West Wales SA34 0XX.
January 18.

From Mr John Abbott

Sir, At the Catholic school of which I am head boy, pupils, as well as learning more about Christianity, must undergo an exploration of other religions through modules in their RE programmes. This leads to a greater knowledge and understanding of the other faiths and a greater feeling of ease in today’s religiously explosive society, since it is out of ignorance that fear and hatred are born.

There are here several students from other faiths, who respect and adhere to the rules of curriculum and of conduct in our school community.

Yours faithfully,
JOHN ABBOTT
(Head Boy),
St Aidan’s RC School,
Willow Bank Road,
Ashbrooke, Sunderland SR2 7HJ.
headboy@staidans-sixthform.co.uk
January 18.

From Mr Irfan Butt

Sir, Traditional Muslim education is, in my opinion, not unsuitable for young Britons. Muslim schools embrace the national curriculum (including citizenship) but with an Islamic ethos in an atmosphere of mutual tolerance and respect. By no means are they a threat to national identity as your headline states.

Yours faithfully,
IRFAN BUTT,
88 Meadowbank Gardens,
Hounslow TW5 9TU.
January 18.

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