I say further that our system of education should be unsectarian.

In this quote, Edmund Barton, Australia's first prime minister, advocates for an unsectarian approach to the nation's education system. By stating that education should be unsectarian, Barton emphasizes the need for schools to be free from the influence of religious or sectarian bias. He believed that education should be inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of their religious background or affiliations. This reflects a commitment to fostering a sense of unity and equality among citizens, particularly in a diverse society.

Barton’s view of an unsectarian education system aligns with his broader vision of national unity. By advocating for secular education, he sought to ensure that children would be taught in an environment that emphasized neutrality, fairness, and a focus on shared values, rather than the specific doctrines of any one religious group. This was particularly important as Australia, at the time, was experiencing the complexities of being a multi-religious and multi-cultural society.

The quote also reflects the growing secularism of public institutions during Barton’s era. By pushing for unsectarian education, Barton was promoting the idea that schools should prioritize reason, science, and pragmatic learning over religious instruction. His advocacy for secular education was a step towards shaping an education system that could accommodate the diverse and changing needs of Australian society, where individuals could be united by common educational goals rather than divided by religious differences.

Ultimately, this quote highlights Barton’s commitment to a more inclusive, equal, and progressive approach to education. By calling for an unsectarian education system, he recognized the importance of creating an environment where all students, regardless of their background, could receive a fair and impartial education that prepared them for participation in a democratic society.