U.K. Students Failing in Faith?

LONDON - Schools in England have taught core values of the Christian faith for years. Yet, a new report reveals students in the United Kingdom are confused and even ignorant about their Christian heritage.

The Transforming Religious Education report found that greater attention was being paid to the religious experiences of children of other faiths besides Christianity. The Office for Standards in Education that conducted the report visited nearly 200 schools over three years for the study.

"It is evident that there is uncertainty among many teachers of religious education about what they are trying to achieve in the subject, including how to approach teaching on Christianity," researchers said in their findings.

Rev. Jan Ainsworth, the Church of England's chief education officer, said she is concerned by the results. She feels teaching children the core elements of Christianity are vital.

"It's obviously important that students understand the core beliefs of Christianity and what that means for people in terms of understanding English culture because it's been so powerful of the years," she explained.

So what kind of understanding do young English students currently have of the Christian faith? CBN News spoke to students at Newton Primary School in Chester.

"The holy book is the Bible. They worship in churches. The holy day is a Sunday," one student said "If you're a Christian then you believe that Jesus died on the cross and if you didn't, then we wouldn't be going to Heaven," another added. "And He took our sins away so we could be with Him."

Former Bishop of Rochester Rev. Michael Nasir-Ali said he believes England is in danger of losing its Christian heritage if schools don't provide the right frame work for beliefs.

"The values that arise will also arise from the Christian faith. That has happened in the past," he explained. "We are living now on past capital. Very much on those values. But if the faith is no longer there, the values also will be challenged and disappear."

He called for schools to teach people more about the nature of religious experience. "It says that whilst the spiritual experience of some pupils is valued, that of Christian pupils is generally not valued and sometimes not even heard," Nasir-Ali said. "This is a matter of great concern in a country where 72 percent of the population describes itself as Christian."

Many U.K. Christians say the report highlights the increasing marginalization of believers in all aspects of society. Several are taking action to try and bring the nation back to its godly roots.

One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
Psalms 145:4

UK Hospital Trust Proposes Bible Ban

The Scriptures may not be a source of comfort anymore at one British hospital.

The London Daily Express reported that the Nottingham University Hospitals Trust wants to ban Bibles from patients' bedsides, saying the Bibles are hard to clean.

The move is intended to help cut down on the spread of infection - something the hospital has been attempting to achieve since 2005.

However, critics have argued there are other solutions. For instance, the Bibles could be covered in shrink wrap or plastic, making them easier to clean.

"For many patients, [Bibles have] been a source of comfort and support through uncertainty and illness," said a spokesperson for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.

"This would intrude on the personal privacy they have to read a copy from their own locker, whenever they chose to, rather than having to trouble a member of staff with a request, which they may feel unhappy to do. This new proposed policy does not appear to be patient-focused, as it would reduce the resources for spiritual support at a time when they are most needed," the spokesperson added.

The trust has said that they will "take into account all needs and views before coming to a final decision" on the matter.

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It seems to me that every time I read a story of faith in England, it’s a sad story. They are handing over their faith bit by bit and soon there will be no Christians in that country. Sadder still is that things that happen there are soon repeated here. I will pray for them as I pray for our country.

For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
Proverbs 1:32