PRAYERS and hymns will be replaced with spiritual “person-centred discussions” under new plans to overhaul traditional school assemblies.

Non-denominational schools across Scotland could soon be issued with new guidance as part of a radical reform of the way religion is presented to pupils.

Instead of reciting prayers and listening to readings from the Bible, children would be encouraged to discuss the values of historical figures such as Martin Luther King to nurture their “spiritual nature”.

The “person-centred” and “inclusive” approach is designed to reflect the views of many teachers and parents who believe prayers and hymns have little meaning in Scotland’s increasingly secular society.

However, the plan — which would reflect the style of BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day — has been criticised by evangelical Christian groups and some head teachers, who have claimed it is an attempt to “water down” Christian traditions.

The new strategy is recommended in a long-awaited study, which was commissioned by the Scottish executive. The conclusions of the Review Group on Religious Observance — which comprises senior education officials, inspectors, teaching bodies and church groups — have been presented to Jack McConnell, the first minister.

McConnell, who commissioned the work in 2001 when he was education minister, made clear last year his sup- port for a more multicultural approach to religion in Scottish schools. He set up the group following a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools into the standard of RE provision in state schools.

By law, all non-denominational schools are obliged to ensure that pupils take part in religious observance at least once a month. Current guidelines to head teachers say it should be of a “broadly Christian nature”.

However, the inspectors found that two-thirds of head teachers were ignoring the statutory requirement and many children were not being taught “spiritual values”.

The Church of Scotland is expected to give its backing to the guidance, arguing that non-denominational schools should promote an “open and invitational” approach to religious teaching.

While the guidelines will not affect denominational schools, there are concerns that Catholic parents who have no alternative but to send their children to local state schools might oppose the move.

However, Michael McGrath, director of the Catholic Education Commission, said: “School is not all about knowledge, there is also the question of spirituality and the ‘big questions’ to consider. Schools need support and training in finding stimulating ways to do that.”

Alex Easton, the president of the Head Teachers’ Association of Scotland, said many schools would resist attempts to dilute religious observance entirely.

Easton, who is the head teacher at Falkirk high school, which holds weekly religious-based assemblies, said: “Any faith is better than none. And I would like some of these experts to come to schools and see how their nebulous ideas can be carried out.”

The Scottish executive said: “We do not comment on leaked reports. We will not comment until the executive publishes its response.”

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