The only surprise is that someone wrote an article on it, most UK citizens are apatheists and have been for a long time. When I was at school back in the '70's, no-one was interested in Religious Eduction, not even the teachers, it was a complete waste of lesson time.

I'm not at all surprised, because religion and atheism really aren't a big deal here at all - I've been astounded by just how opposite the situation is in much of the USA, based on the experiences of various people on this site. Announce that you're deeply religious or avowedly atheist in the UK and the usual response is "that's nice, dear; did you see Coronation Street last night?"

My understanding is that the UK has a long tradition of teaching religion in public schools from a cultural standpoint -- something utterly unthinkable in the US. I think this is more good than bad, as it's important for children to have cultural literacy in things like how religion influences art and so forth. I will leave it to UK citizens to weigh in on the validity of this article's concerns but I think secular religious education is a good thing in principle at least.

Hooray Henry! Religious education such a bore and waste of space..

Nothing to do with Darwin being born here ....honest !

Religion should really just be incorporated into historical studies instead of it's own subject. It really only belongs in history anyway.

I'm not suprised. I don't think most people in Britain are very religous and our education system seems to stress more vocational subjects.