Opinion
The C of E can’t be allowed to keep shielding abusers from accountability
A damning report from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has highlighted the need for independent oversight... Read More »
New guidance on independent schools: analysis of hard-line opposition and DfE concessions
The government has published new guidance on independent schools, amid systemic failings by independent faith schools.... Read More »
Britain needs to stand up for everyone’s religious freedom
The appalling attacks in Sri Lanka again highlight the growing global persecution of Christians. But there should... Read More »
Teacher’s perspective: non-Catholics need not apply
When Rachel applied for a teaching position at a state funded faith school, she found that non-Catholics weren't welcome... Read More »
Faith school advocates place inculcation above education
A Christian faith school is "not where everyone was 'nice to each other', but one that will preach and proclaim the... Read More »
The advertising regulator is pandering to religious offence-taking
As a regulator issues patronising advice to advertisers in the run-up to Easter, Chris Sloggett takes a look at its... Read More »
New voluntary aided faith schools: what happens next?
This week the Department for Education announced plans for 14 new faith schools which could select all their children... Read More »
The harm caused by Jehovah’s Witnesses shows charity law reform is urgently needed
The Jehovah's Witnesses organisation causes serious abuse and harm, says Lloyd Evans. Its charitable status should... Read More »
Religion and public benefit – why it’s time to rethink charity law
The NSS's latest report calls for 'the advancement of religion' to be removed as a charitable purpose. Stephen Evans... Read More »
Let’s face facts: FGM has something to do with religion
Politicians who insist female genital cutting has nothing to do with religion set a dangerous precedent that undermines... Read More »
Sudan deserves a secular democracy
As protesters demand the end of Sudan's Islamist regime, Nahla Mahmoud says a secular democracy is the only way to... Read More »
The government should stand up to parents who want religious opt-outs
Giving ground to religious groups' individualistic demands for opt-outs from relationships & sex education undermines... Read More »
The BMA’s genital cutting guidance is a disturbing departure from evidence-based, patient-centred policy making
The body which represents doctors has missed the opportunity to take a stand against medically unnecessary child circumcision... Read More »
IICSA's Ealing hearings showed the Catholic Church can't be trusted to police itself
An inquiry has highlighted the Catholic Church's lamentable failings over child abuse at an abbey and school in west... Read More »
21 steps the pope would take if he was committed to tackling child abuse
As the Catholic Church unveils another inadequate plan to tackle child abuse, this open letter from Keith Porteous... Read More »
Northern Ireland: where Protestants and Catholics don’t need to be Protestants or Catholics
Northern Ireland's equalities practices are furthering the harmful narrative that the country is made up of two communities... Read More »
Integrated communities require inclusive, secular schools
A government plan on integration sets out a positive vision on education - but faith schools remain the elephant in... Read More »
Religious dogma still clouds assisted dying debate
As the Royal College of Physicians consults its members over assisted dying, Stephen Evans says we should be aware... Read More »
Catholic abuse scandals: why self policing always fails
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has turned its attention to child sexual abuse at Ealing Abbey and... Read More »
A secular education system would mean community schools for all
The 1944 Education Act set many of the foundations of our education system. At the time the Church of England –... Read More »
Barbara Smoker’s remarkable life should inspire us all
Former NSS president Barbara Smoker's book My Godforsaken Life: Memoir of a Maverick reminds us of the value of ordinary... Read More »
Institutionalised prayer doesn't belong in parliament
As MPs launch a motion against parliamentary prayers, NSS CEO Stephen Evans says ending the anachronistic custom would... Read More »
The NHS’s pastoral support shouldn’t be based on religiosity
Moves to introduce humanist chaplaincy services in some NHS hospitals paper over the cracks in a discriminatory service,... Read More »
Defending one law for all is the only sustainable way to beat reactionaries of all stripes
As a ban on non-stun slaughter comes into force in northern Belgium, Chris Sloggett says there should be no religious... Read More »
![Peace walls... of Belfast, via Wikimedia Commons, © diego_cue [CC BY-SA 3.0]](/images/207610/526x328.jpg?v=1697645814)
Northern Ireland's children and families are paying the price of faith schools’ failure
Over the last five years schools in Northern Ireland have experienced a 10% funding cut. While the classroom population... Read More »
