LONDON - 13 November 2007 - 440 words
Book: Formation for Citizenship in Catholic Schools
Gemma Simmonds CJ
Formation for Citizenship in Catholic Schools by Bernadette O'Keefe and Richard Zipfel (Chelmsford, Matthew James, 2007), ISBN: 978-1-89366-88-1
A decade ago it was widely thought that
religion had faded from any serious place in public political
or social discourse. At best religion was a mild eccentricity,
allowable as long as it remained private. Faith-based education
was often accused of leading to narrow sectarianism and an ignoring
of secular virtues. World events since then have put faith and
faith-based education nearer the top of the agenda. Rapid shifts
in the ethnic mix within the European population and shifting
attitudes within public behaviour have put citizenship at the
heart of current debates about how we promote the common good.
This book is a study of how nineteen Catholic schools approach
Citizenship Education. Based on evidence gathered from over a
hundred teachers and a thousand students, it examines and analyses
the contribution that religious education is making in preparing
young people for active and responsible citizenship within their
local and national communities and the wider world.
It is a hallmark of Catholic education to think of it in terms
of 'formation', engaging the whole person in a lifelong process,
with an emphasis on the dignity of the human person, community
and service. The voices we hear are of reflective and considerate
students and their teachers, positive about diversity and eager
to relate to those of differing backgrounds and to participate
fully in democratic society.
The study, organized by the von Hügel Institute, St Edmund's
College, Cambridge, asked head teachers and staff to consider
the question 'How do Catholic schools prepare young people for
active and responsible citizenship?' The results of seminars,
student questionnaires and focus group discussions emerge not
only from formal religious education but events and processes
connected with school chaplaincy such as prayer and retreats,
social outreach and charitable projects.
The Second Vatican Council articulated a concept of human rights
rooted in the dignity of the human person. It urged Catholic
schools to prepare their students to contribute effectively to
the welfare of the world. In this study we see how this works
out in practice, as schools endeavour to develop within young
people a sense of values, a social conscience and a global vision
based on commitment to the common good. The study does not simply
operate as an account of the provision made within Catholic schools.
It provides a workbook from which other schools and groups can
gain creative ideas and build their own citizenship education
programmes. It is deliberately aimed at two audiences simultaneously,
and thus operates between two 'languages'. One audience is those
within the Catholic community involved in any way in education.
The other is those interested in moving away from generalisations
that polarise positions within the educational debate. By gaining
practical insight into how Catholic schools operate within an
open process, characterised by critical thinking and the development
of free, responsible choices, they can gain a better understanding
of the faith dimension within education which draws the values
of citizenship from the Gospel.
Within this understanding of education
pupils are taught to think for themselves and to understand the
social dimensions of faith as the living out of Gospel values
within a changing, multicultural society. The study takes note
of the fact that many pupils within Catholic schools are not necessarily
regular churchgoers and are often uncertain about the importance
of religious education within their school curriculum. The majority
nevertheless profess that religion has a significant influence
in their lives and exerts an important influence on their moral
views. They prove to have a strong relationship with their parents,
a belief in tolerance of diversity, a resistance to racism and
firm ideals with regard to the relief of poverty, principles of
solidarity and environmental questions. The research makes clear
that their education within a religious framework enables most
students to become socially and morally effective citizens.
© Independent Catholic
News 2007
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