David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have already put forward my reasons for opposing differentiation between publicly funded and privately funded bodies. I do not intend to repeat all of that. However, I mentioned a grey area. I do not think it is appropriate for atheists to teach religion, except in a historical, cultural context. Children always know when somebody is not being true to themselves. I also believe it is a violation of the conscience of atheists to have to teach religion. If I was an atheist, I bloody well would not teach religion. I would simply refuse to do so.

I also see the possibility of such situations arising within churches. Obviously a priest will not be hired unless he is ordained. However, priests can move around and can lose their faith. I do not think it would be appropriate for a church to install a rector, vicar, dean or whatever else, if he has publicly stated that he does not believe in God or the divinity of Christ and does not believe in the immortality of the soul. These are three fundamental beliefs of Christianity and if somebody denies them, it is not appropriate that he should be appointed. A case of this nature arose in the Church of Ireland and it had, for the first time in many years, a heresy hearing on the issue. What I would have done in that situation was to allow the person take evensong, take matins, visit the poor, get his wife to or make jam himself, but not celebrate communion or mass because that would be an absurdity as a non-believer.

I see certain areas where there should be some discrimination. It is obvious it should be done, because not to do so would constitute a violation not just of children's right to an appropriate and adequate teacher, but also of the rights of a conscientious atheist. If I was an atheist, I would simply refuse to teach Christianity as if it was true. I think it is wrong to teach it if I do not believe it. If I do not believe in God, I will not go around teaching children to believe in God. That is morally reprehensible.