Plans by Education Secretary Nicky Morgan to require GCSE religious studies students to learn about two faiths have been delayed following a row between Mrs Morgan and the Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles.
The reform was due to have been announced this week and trumpeted at next week's Conservative Party conference. But following the row - and "heated" opposition from religious groups - plans have been put on hold, although an announcement next week remains possible.
At the moment, schools choose one faith to be studied at GCSE level. But following the scandal over so-called "Trojan horse" Islamist takeovers of some non-faith state schools in Birmingham, Mrs Morgan has decided that the religious studies curriculum should be broadened so that pupils study one other religion in depth, to ensure that pupils become aware of different perspectives. The second religion would account for a third of the course.
But the proposal was met with fury when it was put to religious bodies. According to a source close to the department, "Anglicans, Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Hindus - you name it - they all hate it. We've managed the near-impossible trick of uniting every faith in Britain."
Downing Street is a strong supporter of the plan. Another source said: "The Prime Minister and Theresa May are fully behind the idea. It's become a litmus test for those who 'get it' and those who just aren't interested in tackling extremism."
Anglicans, Muslims, Jews - you name it, they hate it
The Board of Deputies and Chief Rabbi's office were said to have been "particularly heated in their anger" in their private responses to Mrs Morgan.
In a statement this week, the Chief Rabbi said: "I enthusiastically support the government's efforts to ensure British values are taught to all children. Respect for and understanding of other faiths is an important component of this and something that our schools have always taken seriously across the relevant curriculum areas. We all have a responsibility to work together to ensure we maintain an open and tolerant society.
"But forced changes to the Religious Studies GCSE, used as a primary tool for so many to learn about their own faith, is not the right way to achieve these shared goals. "
Gillian Merron, CEO of the Board of Deputies, said: "This proposal will cause immense difficulties, particularly for Orthodox Jewish schools and other faith schools and will not achieve what the government wants, as it would likely cause some schools to drop religious studies as a GCSE completely."
Liberal Judaism, however, has expressed its support. Chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich said: "Schools ought
