State-funded religious schools in the United Kingdom have come under fire in recent weeks for teaching creationism in the classroom, with some public leaders denouncing the schools for promoting “anti-evolutionary” theories.

Keith Davidson, education director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Britain, was interviewed on BBC TV’s Westminster Live program in connection with the debate. Although not at the center of the dispute, the Adventist-run John Loughborough School in Tottenham, London, has come under media scrutiny as a school that teaches creationism. Last week British Prime Minister Tony Blair weighed in, saying “a diverse system delivers better results,” but his words have not dampened the ongoing debate.

During the brief interview on Westminster Live, Davidson appeared with member of parliament Jenny Tonge, who expressed the view that, although creationism was perfectly acceptable when taught as part of the religious curriculum, it should not be taught as science. “As a Christian I have no problem in accepting the idea of God as creator,” she said, “but there is much more scientific evidence for evolution.”

In reply Davidson emphasized that the John Loughborough school offers the full national curriculum, but said the ethos of the school was such that God was portrayed as the creator of all life. “The issue here is not just evolution,” he said. “It is more about toleration and respect for other people’s opinions.”

Under current national curriculum policies in the United Kingdom, schools must teach evolution but are allowed to also teach young-earth creationism. In a March 19 newspaper interview, Nigel de Gruchy, leader of a teachers’ union, predicted that this type of controversy would become increasingly common if the government continued promoting faith-based schools.