Teach Secondary Issue 14.2

T he US and the UK are often described as having a ‘special relationship’ that reflects their close political, economic, military and cultural ties over the past century. It’s a relationship essentially built upon shared values, mutual respect and global co-operation. However, one area where these two nations diverge significantly is in their respective approaches to religion and government. Examining this contrast provides a fascinating lens through which to explore how history, culture and society shape the intersection of faith and politics. In the UK, the Church of England is known as the Established Church, with the monarch serving as its Supreme Governor. This institutional connection between church and state has deeply influenced British national identity, particularly since the English Reformation. The Church’s role extends into governance, with 26 bishops (the ‘Lords Spiritual’) holding seats in the House of Lords. In contrast, the U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1789, enshrines a strict separation of church and state. The First Amendment explicitly prohibits the establishment of a national religion, reflecting the early settlers’ desire to avoid the religious conflicts and state-imposed doctrines they had experienced in Europe, particularly during the Reformation. This principle highlights the US’s pluralistic foundation, where religious freedom is a core tenet. Religion in education The educational systems of the UK and the US provide a further useful example of their differences when it comes to how religion intersects with public life. In England, the Church has played a pivotal role in establishing schools. Early institutions, such as the monastic schools in Canterbury (est. 597) and Jarrow (est. 674), focused on religious instruction and literacy. These were then followed by cathedral schools, and later grammar schools, such asWinchester College (est. 1382) and Eton College (est. 1440). After the Reformation, all of England’s monastic schools were either dissolved or repurposed, leading to the creation of ‘free schools’ and the provision of a broader education. However, many schools with religious character still exist today – a legacy of the Church’s historical role in providing free education before the State became involved. In the United States, early schools like Boston Latin School (est. 1635) were founded by Puritan Christians, with a focus on Biblical literacy. Education in NewEngland was closely tied to religion, but in the middle and southern colonies, it was more decentralised. For example, groups like the Quakers opened inclusive schools in Pennsylvania, educating boys, girls, Native Americans and even enslaved people. However, the Establishment Clause of the US Constitution has ensured that public schools cannot promote or mandate religious instruction. In contrast to the UK, RE doesn’t form part of the curriculum in US public schools. Successive Supreme Court rulings have reinforced this over time, including banning school- sponsored prayer, Bible readings and religious displays – such as crosses – in classrooms. The US does have some religious schools, but these are usually private and fee-paying, making them exempt fromFederal oversight. The ‘special RELATIONSHIP’ Andy Lewis highlights the divergences in faith, politics, and education between the US and UK – and how those differences can make for some memorable lesson material... “In theUK, theChurch remains entwinedwithgovernment and education, inkeepingwitha legacyof religious influence spanning centuries” 46 teachwire.net/secondary