Some schools in Scotland will begin a “twinning” initiative designed to bring children of different religions together for extracurricular activities, officials there say.
First Minister Jack McConnell went to St. Mirin’s Primary School in Glasgow late last month to announce the new program.
“We have provided a clear lead in challenging and exposing this ugly aspect of our culture,” Mr. McConnell said.
Students at St. Mirin’s will start the program by working with students at Croftfoot Primary School to produce a play about religious sectarianism, according to a statement issued by Mr. McConnell’s office.
Roman Catholic children in Scotland typically attend school separately from other children.
Mr. McConnell’s twinning plan is part of a larger, ongoing attempt to bridge the divide between Catholic and Protestants in the country.
Other aspects of the plan include working with education authorities on new ways to battle sectarianism in schools and with law enforcement to fight antisocial behavior stemming from it at marches and parades.
