Faith schools in the UK will now be teaching pupils about other religions as well as their own, leaders of the major faiths said.
Leaders from the Church of England, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Catholic, Jewish and Buddhist faiths have signed a joint statement to promote the scheme.
They said that religious education should enable pupils to develop respect for others and combat prejudice.
Britain's Education Secretary Ruth Kelly said the leaders had demonstrated a commitment to promote inclusion and tolerance.
This agreement with the UK Department for Education means that the schools will follow the National Framework on Religious Education, published in October 2004 but is still non-statutory.
In their statement released here, the faith leaders said religious education helps children develop a sense of identity and belonging, and to "flourish individually... and as citizens in a pluralistic society and global economy."
"It enables pupils to develop respect for and sensitivity to others, particularly those whose faith and beliefs are different from their own, and promotes discernment and enables pupils to combat prejudice.