Freedom of Religion and Belief in the UK explored by University of Chester academic

Dr James Holt, Associate Professor of Religious Education (FORB) in the University’s School of Education has been working on the project which is partnered with Regent's Park College at the University of Oxford and Freedom Declared Foundation, a charity of which James serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees. 

The initial year of research explored the lived-reality of freedom of religion and belief and the extent to which it is realised in the UK. Following this, James led a symposium workshop over two days with eight secondary school teachers from around the UK. Over the two days and in the weeks following, resources were developed for the teaching of FoRB in Religious Education classrooms at Key Stage 3, 4 and 5. Topics explored include What is FoRB?; The Freedom to worship and The Freedom to Practice. Each lesson uses a case study from the initial phase of the research.  

The resources will be published at a launch event in the House of Lords in November and will be freely available on the Freedom Declared Foundation's website. James will be sharing the findings of this research at the Association of University Lecturers of RE conference at the University of Exeter in June and has been invited to speak on the issue of Freedom of Religion and Belief at the annual symposium of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies in Utah in October. 

James said: “It has been a privilege to be involved in this exciting project that explores this important human right and its expression in the UK. Often, we focus on issues of FoRB around the world, but these stories and resources help us explore the realisation and importance of FoRB in the UK. The teachers involved have been inspiring to work with as well as giving up their time to develop these resources.”