“We are proud of our schools and reflect that the Catholic Church has provided free education in Guernsey with the support of the state for over 150 years,” Egan said.
“The dedication and love shown by parishioners, religious sisters, brothers, and teachers in past decades have provided a firm foundation for the flourishing vibrant schools we see today. Our schools continue to reflect significant ethnic diversity, meeting the needs of sizeable minority groups across the island.”
“Indeed, the Catholic schools of Guernsey are all rated either good, very good or excellent in accordance with the state’s or the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s own criteria for a broad and balanced education and the best educational outcomes are achieved which contribute to the prosperity of the island as a whole.”
The Catholic Church has previously clashed with lawmakers in Guernsey over moves to introduce assisted suicide and liberalize abortion laws.
In a letter dated Oct. 12, Peter Ferbrache, Guernsey’s Chief Minister, urged deputies “to consider carefully the unintended consequences” of approving the anti-discrimination policy in its current form.
He raised the possibility of a legal challenge on human rights grounds.
“On this occasion, the policy and resources committee is of the view that a reasonable balance in terms of interference with human rights has not been achieved and there are numerous disadvantages to the proposals, some of which may have long-term and unintended negative consequences for the island,” he wrote.
Liam McKenna, an elected deputy, opposed the proposed policy, saying that it could “unintentionally close all three Catholic schools in Guernsey.”
“If these schools were to close, we would have over 1,000 displaced students,” he wrote.
“Millions of pounds would potentially have to be spent on infrastructure to accommodate these schoolchildren in an argument that should never have come about and has caused great embarrassment to our community.”
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He added: “The Catholic Church could go into legal challenge and litigation against the States of Guernsey on human rights grounds, a situation I am told they are desperate to avoid as they have enjoyed a peaceful and harmonious relationship for over 150 years.”
Heather Hauschild, Portsmouth diocese’s chief operating officer, said: “We, as the Catholic community, support fully the broad intentions to combat discrimination and we look forward to collaborating with the States of Guernsey in a meaningful way to ensure all minority groups, including the Catholic community and those they serve, are not discriminated against.”
Concluding his letter, Bishop Egan wrote: “As the Catholic community of Guernsey, I am asking you to raise your democratic voice to protect religious freedom and prevent a law that, far from ending discrimination, would actively discriminate against Catholics and other religious groups.”
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