The Welsh Evangelical Alliance has defended the role of collective worship in schools following calls for an end to the tradition by secularists.

Last September the British Humanist Association launched a petition on the Assembly’s website calling for the abolition of collective worship, arguing that it is extremely unpopular and suggesting that teachers, parents and children did not want it.

The petition has currently attracted 234 signatures.

According to law and UK government guidelines, schools in Wales are required to provide daily collective worship that is to be “wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character”. “Mainly” is interpreted to mean that over half of assemblies need to be Christian in nature, while “broadly” means that they are meant to be inclusive of different Christian denominations.

The law currently protects the right of Christian children, young people and teachers to manifest their faith through prayer and worship in schools.

National Assembly Liaison Officer Jim Stewart has launched a counter petition which reads:

"We, the undersigned, call upon the National Assembly for Wales to urge the Welsh Government to protect collective worship as a legal requirement for schools in Wales. Collective worship is currently required by law in every school in Wales and: provides opportunities for children and young people to explore spirituality and to reflect on life issues; promotes the corporate wellbeing of schools, individual flourishing and, through the participation of visiting speakers from the local community, social cohesion; reinforces positive attitudes; gives children and young people an awareness and understanding of wider world views; improves religious literacy."

Mr Stewart commented: “If this right were taken away from us it would lead to further marginalisation of Christianity in public life. This is not just something that is beneficial to us though – it is for the common good and other faith groups in Wales are supportive of it as are people who don’t have a particular faith.

"Some argue that collective worship can be so watered down so as to be irrelevant. While this may be true on some occasions, at other times it can portray a strong and clear message and for many non-Christian children and young people, it will be their only opportunity to hear and to reflect upon a Christian message."

Stewart has been greatly encouraged by the initial responses to his petition. He said, “Two weeks ago, when I started to think about this issue, I emailed 200 friends and members, asking them for their views on this topic. Over 70 responded, with 90% of those being strongly in favour of collective worship continuing”

He is hoping there will be a large response to his initiative.

“There are no age restrictions and people can sign it not only from Wales or the UK but anywhere in the world.

“I would be thrilled if anyone who supports my proposal will not only sign it themselves but also forward it to their friends and contacts they think would be supportive.

“In reality the British Humanist Association is a minority claiming to speak on behalf of the majority – which is why it is important to set the record straight through a counter-petition and show that, for many people, collective worship does matter."

The petition will be open until 24 April before being presented to the Petitions committee of the National Assembly of Wales.

On the web: https://www.assemblywales.org/gethome/e-petitions/sign-petition.htm