NAIROBI, MARCH 24, 2015(CISA) – Bishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba Chairman, Kenya Conference of  Catholic Bishops – Commission for Education and Religious Education has said that religious education is an integral part of our value system and must continue to be taught in our schools.

In a press statement sent to CISA on March 23, Bishop Muhatia said suggestions made on a national TV by one, Harrison Mumia, who purports to be an atheist, that Religious Education ought to be abolished are “ludicrous, absurd,  ill-thought and in bad taste.”

“The suggestions… wrongly deliberately downplays the important role that religious education plays in moulding the values of our society,” said Bishop Muhatia adding the Constitution of Kenya grants all Kenyans freedom of conscience and belief as well as the right to practice their faith and teach it.

“It is totally unacceptable for a few individuals to purport to influence curtailing the same rights and freedoms by recommending the scrapping of religious education from our school curriculum,” said the prelate.

According to Bishop Muhatia, for the Catholic Church, faith and holistic quality education are inseparable and religious education plays an integral and critical role in preparing learners for adult life, employment and life-long learning while encouraging them to develop their sense of identity and belonging.

“It is our considered view that there can be no quality formation of children to become responsible citizens if their education is not anchored on their religious faith,” he said adding. “Withdrawing religious education from our school curriculum is tantamount to rejection of the supremacy and importance of God in the lives of young people and the society.”

The bishop further warned that a society that turns away from God is doomed and that “we must continue to teach religious education and religious instructions in all our schools.”