A citizens’ initiative proposes doubling weekly religious or ethics classes in schools, sparking debate among lawmakers and the Catholic Church.
Citizens’ Initiative for Expanded Religious Education
A civic project titled “Yes to Religion and Ethics in Schools” was prepared by the Association of Lay Catechists, signed by over 500,000 people. It proposes making two weekly hours of religious or ethics education mandatory in all schools, except for adult education. The reduction of hours would require approval from the relevant Catholic bishop or other religious associations. Grades in these subjects would appear on report cards and factor into grade averages. On September 26, during the 41st Sejm session, Committee representative Piotr Janowicz noted that such systems exist in most EU countries and do not imply a state religion.
Polish Bishops’ Response to Education Changes
The Polish Episcopal Conference (KEP) has also called for changes regarding religious education. In a letter for the 15th Education Week, bishops emphasized that religious education is a constitutional right for students and parents. They criticized the government for reducing the significance of religious education since 1989, calling it discriminatory and intolerant toward believers. The bishops argued that religious education has an educational, therapeutic, and preventive role, stating that “one cannot live maturely without heart and mind formation.”
Government’s Justification for Reducing Religious Education Hours
New regulations by the Ministry of Education stipulate that religious and ethics classes will be reduced to one weekly hour, scheduled before or after mandatory educational activities. The ministry claims this change will improve lesson planning and eliminate “window” periods in the school day.
