Teach Secondary Issue 14.2

Demographic considerations Yet despite being subject to that constitutionally mandated separation from government, religion has historically played a significant role in US public life. Many political candidates openly discuss their faith, with Christian values often featuring prominently in election campaigns. The high levels of religious identification among US citizens, especially in Southern andMid-western states, have often influenced the country’s broader societal values and public policy. Long-running debates over abortion and marriage equality, for example, will frequently draw on religious arguments. That said, public institutions, including public schools and government buildings, must still remain secular, in line with the Establishment Clause. There have been some shifts in this, following some of the Trump/McConnell appointments to the Supreme Court and other courts, which has provided a way for States to adopt different practices. In Florida, for example, the Department of Education proposed in August 2024 to place religious chaplains in public schools. Opponents claimed that this would amount to promoting the religious viewpoints favoured by the governor, and as such, would be in contravention of the Constitution. Another example came in June that same year, when every school in Oklahoma was mandated to incorporate the Bible – and more specifically, the 10 Commandments – into their curriculum. Oklahoma’s State Superintendent further plans to spend $3 million on a Christian Nationalist version of the King James Bible that includes the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, Pledge of Allegiance and Bill of Rights – seemingly ignoring all aspects of the Establishment Clause in the process. Two nations, two approaches All this is in stark contrast to what we see in the UK, where church attendance and religious affiliation have declined significantly in recent decades. Most politicians tend to keep their faith private, with notable public expressions of religion by high-profile figures often inviting criticism or ridicule. Nevertheless, the Church of England has managed to retain its formal role in governance. Beyond the aforementioned 26 bishops providing a religious perspective in the House of Lords, all MPs in the Commons and peers in the Lords swear allegiance to the Crown when taking their oath of office (unless they wish to specifically use a secular affirmation) – a tradition that reflects the UK’s historical intertwining of monarchy, Church and state. The contrasting approaches taken by both countries reflect two unique historical and cultural trajectories. In the UK, the Church remains entwined with government and education, in keeping with a legacy of religious influence spanning centuries. The US’ strict separation of church and state meanwhile reflects its founding principles of religious freedomand diversity. Yet recent developments suggest that in some places, the Christian faithmay eventually find a place in state legislation and policy. These differences challenge us to consider how differently various nations will balance matters of faith, governance and public life – even those considered quite similar in many respects. It’s going to be interesting tomonitor how, when and where such changes begin to emerge, and their wider impact on the Constitution. These divergences also highlight how the supposed ‘special relationship’ enjoyed between the US and UK is as much about understanding and respecting differences as it is about declaring shared values – whichmany would argue is the very essence of the early settlers who brought their European experience to the newly discovered land of the United States. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andy Lewis is a teacher of RE and deputy headteacher at St Bonaventure’s, East London; follow him at @andylewis_re (X) or visit mrlewisre.co.uk BROADER CURRICULUM THEMES This topic is one that can provide rich opportunities for classroom exploration, debate and discussion. Teachers can use it to address a range of areas – such as... Respecting religious diversity – How can societies protect religious freedoms while maintaining secular governance? Historical legacies versus modern pluralism – How do historical institutions like the Church of England adapt to a more secular society? Faith and policy – How do religious beliefs influence debates on moral and social issues – such as abortion and marriage equality – in both nations? By examining these themes, students can gain valuable insights into how history, culture and politics continue to shape the complex relationship between religion and governance, with a particular focus on the UK and US. 47 teachwire.net/secondary R E L I G I O U S E D U C AT I O N