Religious Education Council

Who we are

The Religious Education Council of England and Wales was established in 1973 to represent the collective interests of a wide variety of professional associations and faith communities in deepening and strengthening provision for religious education. It provides a multi-faith forum where national organisations with an interest in supporting and promoting religious education in schools and colleges can share matters of common concern. The Religious Education Council: Exists to explore and clarify the scope of religious education in schools and its relationship to other areas of the curriculum. It aims to facilitate joint involvement in decision and policy making at national level and to provide a means of communication between member bodies, offering opportunities to share ideas and learn from each other. Meets in full Council twice a year, usually in London, with eminent speakers including government ministers and feedback from members, in venues in provided by member organisations or others, including the Al Khoei Centre, Conway Hall, Wesley's Chapel, Wembley Stadium and the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha. The REC draws its membership from national organisations which have an active interest in RE, including those for RE professionals and for faith and belief bodies. All organisations which support the aims of the REC are welcome to apply for membership. The REC has an executive board of volunteers elected or co-opted from its members, consisting of a chair, deputy chair, secretary, treasurer and representatives from a cross section of member organisations. The REC publishes occasional reports and advisory booklets; for example, 'A practice code for teachers of RE'. It works with government, the media, parents and children, teachers and governors, members of faith and belief communities, to champion religious education and raise awareness of its value in the education of all young people.