Courageous Advocates for the common good, locally and globally
The Church of England’s vision for education, one that is ‘deeply Christian, serving the common good’, encompasses the whole of humanity and its context advocating for the widening of horizons and the promotion of human well being for all.
‘We are only persons with each other: our humanity is “co-humanity”, inextricably involved with others, utterly relational, both in our humanity and our shared life on a finite planet. If those others are of ultimate worth then we are each called to responsibility towards them and to contribute responsibly to our communities.’ Church of England Vision for Education, 2016
The RE with Soul material offers a global perspective on RE and Citizenship that supports Primary and Secondary schools in actively exploring and engaging with their local churches and their overseas Companion Links, with the aims of enabling pupils and staff in:
- developing a global understanding of Christianity and its impact
- participating in social action
- becoming courageous advocates for change in their local, national and global communities.
These partnerships between churches and schools in the UK and the Companion Link relationships with Diocese overseas, have given rise to a deepening understanding of Jesus’ command to ‘love your neighbour as you love yourself’. Through dialogue, confronting shared challenges, and working together the Diocese of London’s Angola London Mozambique Association (ALMA) has helped school and church partners in the UK and overseas, encounter each other, become friends, to grow empathy and mutual understanding.
‘Global Neighbours’ Accreditation Scheme
RE with Soul Primary RE Units, theme days and KS3 Reflections that harness the education potential of sustainable Companion Links, complement the aims of Christian Aid’s Global Neighbours Accreditation Scheme, in supporting and celebrating all that primary schools in England are doing to provide good global education as part of the Church of England’s vision for Education.
‘As well as the recognition attached to gaining accreditation status, the scheme will also help schools fulfil the Church of England’s vision of education that is deeply Christian and serving the common good. In addition, by helping children claim their voice as global citizens, participation in the scheme will help church schools develop and showcase their work in helping their pupils to become courageous advocates.’ Global Neighbours
Click here to be taken to the ‘Global Neighbours’ section of the Christian Aid website.
