Children educated in Christian schools tend to become law-abiding adults, engaged in community and charitable outreach, and contributing to the general good of society, says Keith Davidson, education director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Britain. Davidson’s comments come in response to an opinion piece published March 11 in The Times arguing that children should not be educated in “religious ghettos” and suggesting that religion be taught as a “historical phenomena alongside astrology, magic, and other aspects of mankind’s earlier ignorance.”

A public debate about the role of religious education in Britain has been sparked by recent government praise of religious schools. Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed enthusiasm for the schools’ “sense of mission” and education secretary, David Blunkett, has unveiled a proposal that would expand state funding for religiously affiliated schools.

In his newspaper article, Anthony Grayling, a philosophy reader from the University of London, argues that religious schools help entrench societal intolerance.  He suggests that “indoctrination of children in religious views” may be “a violation of their right to freedom to make up their own minds when in a position to do so.”

But Davidson says there is a fundamental flaw in Grayling’s argument.  “While supposedly arguing against intolerance and against sectarian dogma,” says Davidson, “Grayling is putting forward an intolerant, dogmatic proposal; that all children be educated together provided they are taught secular values only.”

“Parents should be free to choose to have their children educated in a secular culture,” Davidson adds. “But religious parents must also have the choice to send their children to schools supporting their beliefs and values.” He notes that the author’s language smacks of “intolerance and malice—the very vices he attempts to lay at the door of religious educators.” Davidson says that studies on the successes of Christian education clearly show that “the development of citizens with Christian principles will strengthen our society and will contribute to the greater good of our lives.”

The Adventist Church has traditionally placed a strong emphasis on education and operates a worldwide network of schools and tertiary institutions.  In Britain, the Adventist Church operates several primary and secondary schools and a liberal arts college.