Guidelines for Religious Education in Mission Schools

Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Minister for Education (a) what are the guidelines for the conduct of religious education in our mission and faith-affiliated national schools; (b) whether these guidelines can be made public; and (c) whether the guidelines will detract from the character and integrity of mission and faith-affiliated national schools in our secular education system.

Mr Heng Swee Keat: Singapore is a secular state which is not based on any particular religion. Hence, MOE's policy and guidelines to schools on the conduct of religious activities are guided by the need for our schools to provide the common space where our young from all communities can grow up together, build bonds and develop shared identity as Singaporeans.

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All schools with religious affiliations must comply with the Education (Grant-in-Aid) Regulations, if they wish to provide religious instruction distinctive of their beliefs. The Regulations are in the public domain. The schools have to ensure that:

a) no pupil shall be required to attend religious instruction or any religious observance if his parent has signified in writing his wish that his child shall not so attend;

b) attendance at such religious instruction or religious observance shall not be made a condition of admission; and

c) the time devoted to such religious instruction and religious observance shall be additional to that required for school subjects in Government schools.

These guidelines have served mission and faith-affiliated schools well, guiding them on how religious instruction and observance can be provided within the stipulated parameters, and in support of their effort to uphold the distinctive character and mission of the school.