Religion in public schools : comparative images of Canada and South Africa

Abstract

This article examines the common roots of Canada and South Africa in order to explore issues regarding the role and place of religion in public schooling in both countries. Not only do Canada and South Africa share a common religious heritage that explains the historical prominence of Christianity in their school systems, but they also share the recent introduction of constitutionally entrenched human rights documents granting freedom of religion and the right to non-discrimination. The authors discuss how the introduction of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in Canada has had an impact on policy and practice regarding religious exercises and curriculum in schools, and speculate about how new democratic constitutional values and the example of Canadian case law may help shape South Africa's approach to the place of religion in its schools.