The firestorm that has enveloped the country over a Ministry of Education memorandum to principals of schools across the country is another indication that something has spooked some parents and a significant section of the Barbados population about the state’s intentions for the practice of religious beliefs.The issue has been simmering for quite a while, and we believe the time has come for the country to confront the latent unease about the future relationship between church and state.There are many in the church community who are convinced the country is fast heading to a stage where religion will be regarded as an interloper in schools and other places of influence in our society.In the now controversial memo from the Ministry, it was stated in part: “There should be no general assembly of students at any time in the face-to-face modality. For example, there should be no whole-school prayers, year group prayers or house prayers. Where possible, students should be allowed to engage in ‘mindfulness sessions’ in their classrooms while following the COVID-19 protocols.”
