1. Religion and Spirituality: Why Religious Educators Need to Note the Difference Dr Marian de Souza Key Insights Issues related to gender and status in religious frameworks The place and purpose of religion in today’s contemporary world The relationship between spirituality and religion

2. Issues Related to Gender and Status in Religious Frameworks  There is a marked difference in the status that men and women hold in the church  The voices of women in matters of religion or spirituality are not heard or valued  Women are not given an equal share in ministry, decision making or responsibilities within the church  Spiritual growth of the individual or group is hindered when there is a lack of connectedness with ‘Other’

3. The Place and Purpose of Religion in a Contemporary World  Religion in the 21 st Century needs to ‘adaptive and responsive’ (p.5)  Religion in the 21 st Century needs to be revitalized  Focus on fostering personal spirituality through the act of connecting and understanding of the ‘Other’  Seeking and discovering God’s kingdom in the hear and now

4. The Relationship Between Religion and Spirituality  Spirituality is much broader than Religion  Spirituality is both individual and communal  Spirituality comes from being connected with ‘Other’  Spiritual maturity

5. Connections with Other Literature Ranson (2002) & Rolheiser (1999) believe that spirituality is part of who we are as humans and in order to be spiritual, one does not necessarily need to be religious. This supports De Souza’s belief that spirituality is a part of every human being and spirituality manifests itself outside of religion. The notion of one becoming spiritually mature when connected with ‘Other’ is supported by Rolheiser (1999) through the examples he gives of the lives of those like Princess Diana who through her words and actions the self became one with Other.

6. Implications for Religious Education in my context  Respect of Aboriginal Spirituality of the students within our school community  Inclusiveness of all students regardless of religious traditions or cultural backgrounds  The need to authentically nurture the spirituality of every child  Ongoing need to for spiritual development of teachers is necessary for the understanding of the difference between Religion and Spirituality