Letter of the Day | Strengthening devotional guidelines for schools

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I welcome the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s revised October 2026 Guidelines on devotional exercises in public educational institutions.

Of particular importance is the Ministry’s recognition of the historic contribution of the Christian churches to education in Jamaica and its affirmation that devotional exercises continue to play an important role in the moral and spiritual development of students. Equally commendable is the clear acknowledgement that church-sponsored schools have the right to preserve their religious ethos and traditions.

As a Catholic educator, pastor, chaplain and board chairman, however, I believe the guidelines could be further strengthened in several important respects.

First, greater recognition should be given to the distinctive mission of church-owned and church-sponsored schools. Such institutions were established to provide holistic formation grounded in faith, values, and service. Their religious identity should be explicitly protected.

Second, the guidelines should acknowledge that spiritual formation extends beyond devotional exercises. In Catholic schools, faith is nurtured through worship, service projects, pastoral care, retreats, religious instruction, and the daily witness of the school community. These dimensions form part of the educational mission and should be recognised.

Third, the document would benefit from specific protection for liturgical and sacramental traditions. Activities, such as school masses, Ash Wednesday services, Advent and Lenten observances, feast day celebrations, retreats, and other faith-based activities are central to the life of many church-sponsored schools and should be explicitly safeguarded.

Fourth, greater recognition should be given to the role of school chaplains and pastoral leaders who provide spiritual guidance and pastoral support to students and staff.

Fifth, while the Guidelines appropriately affirm the conscience rights of parents who seek exemption from religious observances, they should also recognise the legitimate expectations of parents who deliberately choose faith-based schools because of their religious character. Their right to expect that such schools will maintain their ethos deserves equal respect.

Finally, the guidelines should more clearly balance freedom from religious participation with freedom of religious expression. A respectful and inclusive society protects not only the rights of those who choose not to participate in religious observance, but also the rights of faith communities to express and practise their beliefs within the framework of the law.

Jamaica’s educational history cannot be separated from the contribution of the churches. The partnership between Church and State has helped to shape generations of citizens distinguished by integrity, service, discipline, and faith. The Ministry’s revised guidelines provide a solid foundation for preserving this legacy.

FR KINGSLEY ASPHALL