The teaching of Theology and Religious Studies at UK universities is under threat as fewer tertiary institutions are offering these subjects.
That’s despite religious studies being one of the most popular humanities subjects for students taking their A-levels — similar to Australia’s Higher School Certificate.
A broad spectrum of 75 faith leaders, academics and public figures have expressed concern that the subjects could soon disappear altogether from universities, unless action is taken now to safeguard them.
They have signed an open letter coordinated by Theos, a Christian think tank, warning that theology and religious studies are among the hardest hit by university course closures.
OPEN LETTER WARNS OF THREAT TO THEOLOGY AND RELIGION EDUCATION
Signatories include former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, Theos Director Chine McDonald, Christian Aid CEO Patrick Watt, Executive Chair of the Religion Media Centre Michael Wakelin, Free Churches Moderator Reverend Tessa Henry–Robinson and actor James Norton.
The letter highlights that soon, only 21 higher-education institutions in England and Wales will offer Theology degrees, compared with 90 offering history, 80 offering music and 101 offering sociology.
It warns that cutting the subject will narrow student choice and deprive society of graduates equipped to address ethical challenges in an increasingly polarised world.
“This impacts student choice, but it also has adverse effects for society,” the letter reads.
WHY THEOLOGY EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT
“Theology plays a crucial role in the intellectual, ethical and cultural development of communities.”
“It equips people with the tools to engage more thoughtfully with global cultures and traditions, and to engage deeply with complex sacred texts.”
“It provides space for interfaith dialogue in an environment where people from different backgrounds (including the non–religious, because theology and religious studies are by no means the preserve of believers), and creates room for students to explore issues of belief together. ”
“In an increasingly polarised world, it helps us understand other points of view.”
170-YEAR-OLD CHRISTIAN SEMINARY FORCED TO CLOSE
Hannah Rich, senior researcher at Theos, told Premier Christian News: “We’re seeing Theology and Religious Studies hit hardest by cuts when institutions are under financial pressure.”
“But these are subjects vital to our society, intellectually, ethically and culturally.”
Among recent closures is Spurgeon’s College, a 170-year-old Christian institution that taught Theology to about 200 students.
It announced that all courses are shutting down due to “significant financial challenges, driven by declining student numbers and an increasingly complex and difficult financial landscape”.
CONCERNS OVER TEACHING OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS
The letter highlights a similar decline in the teaching of Religious Education (RE) in UK schools
It says that there are “too few qualified entrants to RE teaching,” noting that around half of RE lessons are taught by teachers who specialise in another subject.
Only one fifth of new entrants to RE teacher training in the last academic year had a degree in Theology and Religious Studies.
Hannah Rich of Theos told Premier Christian News: “Fewer theology graduates means fewer qualified RE teachers and that affects the entire education system!”
THEOLOGY PROVIDES SPACE FOR INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
“In an increasingly polarised world, theology provides space for interfaith dialogue and understanding.”
“Without it, we risk losing the ability to build bridges across belief systems,” Ms. Rich observed.
The letter warns this trend may lead to theology becoming the “preserve of the elite”.
It concludes: “The future looks increasingly complex, diverse and pluralistic.”
THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES EQUIP US WITH TOOLS TO NAVIGATE THE FUTURE
“Local, national and global changes require us to wrestle with moral, ethical and spiritual challenges and ideas well.”
“We owe it to the citizens of tomorrow to equip them with the tools to navigate this future and live together better.”
“We can think of few better tools within our education system than theology and religious studies.”
RELIGIOUS STUDIES IS ONE OF THE MOST STABLE SCHOOL SUBJECTS
On a positive note, it appears there will be a demand for Religious Studies courses at universities because it remains one of the most stable A-level subjects.
While other humanities subjects saw significant declines with history entries down 5.4% and geography falling by 6.4%., Religious Studies fell by only 1.3%.
In total, more than 15,000 students took the subject, and in Wales numbers even increased by 5%
Teachers and Christian education leaders said the results showed that students still cared deeply about understanding different worldviews, exploring ethical issues and making sense of what they believe.
MORE QUALIFIED RE TEACHERS NEEDED FOR UK SCHOOLS
Sarah Lane Cawte, chair of the Religious Education Council, said: “From the classroom, we’re hearing that young people value the chance to explore religious and non-religious ideas that shape our world and their future.”
But the lack of teachers qualified to teach the subject means many students miss out on quality teaching and some cannot take A-level religious studies at all.
Katie Freeman, chair of the National Association of Teachers of RE, said: “Young people deserve the chance to study RE properly for their education, their faith journey and their future.”
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