Cathy Byrne

Cathy Byrne is a Ph.D. scholar at Macquarie University’s Centre for Research on Social Inclusion. She is interested in the policy and practice of religion education as a strategy for managing religious diversity.

Her research examines the contribution of adult attitudes and pedagogies in the construction of children's religious identity and in the development of their reactions towards religious difference. She is exploring the social implications of segregated scripture classes in Australian public primary schools.

This is an extension of her Master’s research, which examined attitudinal outcomes of senior school Study of Religion students.

Cathy is also undertaking a Graduate Diploma of Education incorporating a Certificate in Religion and Values Education.