Cathal BarryPrincipals argue that integrated education won’t end sectarianism
Catholic school principals have rejected as “fantasy” claims that the introduction of integrated education would mark an end to sectarian division in the North.
Head of the Catholic Principals’ Association (CPA) Tony Devlin told The Irish Catholic that he strongly rejected the analysis that Catholic education was contributing to the divisions that existed in the North today.
It comes after an attack on faith-based schools by SDLP deputy leader Dolores Kelly.
Ms Kelly suffered an embarrassing defeat at the SDLP annual conference at the weekend when she sought to move the party away from supporting parents’ right to choose a faith-based education towards a one-size-fits-all endorsement of integrated education. Mr Devlin, principal of Holy Trinity primary school, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, said “the idea that integrated education will end all the division that exists in society in the North is fantasy.
“It assumes that Catholic schools have some responsibility for the division here and I would reject that critique. It’s an overly simplistic argument.”
Diveristy
Mr Devlin said that, while he appreciates integrated education was based on sound principles and values, “a diversity of education should be made available to parents.
“Faith-based schools are widely regarded all over the world as providing excellent, holistic education. The philosophy of education Catholic schools implement is very appealing to parents. They should be given the choice,” he said.
The principal of one of Ireland’s largest Catholic post-primary schools also lent his voice to the defence of Catholic education in the face of ongoing political attacks.
Jarlath Burns, principal of St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh insisted that Catholic schools “take integration very seriously and do so in so a Christian context.
“The argument that society is segregated and that Catholic education is in some way contributing to that is simply wrong. Catholic schools do not promote division at all,” said the Gaelic football pundit and former inter-county player.
“People forget that Catholic education is not exclusively for Catholic students. Catholic schools have a duty to diversity. Catholic education is all about positive portrayal of life, pluralism, inclusion and showing each person love,” he said.
Noting that while he “wouldn’t condemn anybody who has an opinion that integrated education is a solution to the problem”, Mr Burns warned against an “overly simplistic” reading of the situation.
Mr Devlin insisted that Catholic schools had “nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to apologise for.
“Catholic schools have a particular ethos that is worth holding onto. We have lots to celebrate,” he said.