Church and State: November 2004 Archives

United Kingdom: In yet another account of political correctness run amok, the St Mary Magdalene Church of England Primary School in Islington has been asked by the council to drop the Saint from its name for feel of offending other religious groups. The parents, governors and teachers involved with the school are far from impressed.

The practice of calling schools after saints or bishops alienates people from other faiths and non-believers, say officials and councillors in Islington, north London.

Islington council plans to incorporate the existing St Mary Magdalene Church of England Primary School into a new City Academy for five- to 18-year-olds.

The church, which is giving £2 million towards building costs, has been told by the local authority — a partner in the scheme — that the name of the new school cannot be religious.