Cornish Teachers Should 'Explore' Paganism, Church of England Says

Teachers in Cornwall have been told by the Church of England to celebrate all Cornish beliefs in school, including "exploring" Paganism, over fears some families are being marginalised.

Sue Green, education director at the Church of England's Diocese of Truro, said Cornwall's heritage was "quite unique" and it was imperative the spiritual and religious heritage of the area is celebrated.

"For many of our schools there will be children who come from Pagan families and we wouldn't want those children to feel marginalised," Green told the BBC.

But she added "no school is being told to teach about Paganism".

Green's support of teaching the faith follows the recent announcement Paganism is to be included in the school curriculum in Cornwall.

Earlier this April, Cornwall Council told its schools pagan beliefs should be taught alongside Christianity.

Fiona MacDonald, co-ordinator of Cornwall's Pagan Federation, said the group welcomed the decision to include Paganism on the curriculum.

"We have been campaigning for schools to introduce it for the past 10 years," she told The Huffington Post UK. "It is not a question of teaching children Paganism, rather teaching children about Paganism.

"We are just normal human beings with different ideas," she added.

The polytheistic faith focuses on putting "humankind back in harmony with the Earth," and is based on a deep respect for nature. Shamanism, Wicca or Witchcraft, Druidry and Heathenry are all included under the umbrella term.

Fiona MacDonald, co-ordinator of Cornwall's Pagan Federation, said the group welcomed the decision to include paganism on the curriculum.