Religion and Worldviews Education for All: Possibilities for Change to Religious Education in Northern Ireland

A new study from Queen’s shows strong public support for Religious Education (RE) in Northern Ireland to help pupils understand a wide range of different religious and non-religious worldviews, including Muslim, Humanist and atheist perspectives.

The report from the research project Religion and Worldviews Education for All (RWE for All) was launched on 4 December 2025.

The project explored how Religious Education in Northern Ireland could be more inclusive within a school system where most primary schools (Controlled, Maintained, and Integrated) retain a Christian ethos.  

The research was carried out by Dr James Nelson, Mitchell Institute Fellow and Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, QUB and Dr Rebecca Loader from the University of Cambridge, with funding from Culham St Gabriel’s Trust and with participation from the Northern Ireland Interfaith Forum and Parents for Inclusive Education.

Commenting on the report, James said: “The research affirms the necessity for reform of the curriculum.  It suggests that while the history of Christian education is deeply rooted in Northern Ireland, there is broad support for transforming religious education classes into inclusive spaces where all students learn together about diverse worldviews with a view to engendering respectful social relations in a shared society.” 

Read more here.

Read the report here.