The Polish Sejm discussed a citizens’ initiative proposing mandatory religious or ethics lessons in schools, amid near-empty chambers.
Citizens’ Initiative on Religious Education
The civic initiative “Yes to Religion and Ethics in Schools,” prepared by the Association of Lay Catechists, was signed by over 500,000 people. It proposes making two hours of religious or ethics education mandatory per week, reducible only with the consent of a Catholic bishop or other religious authorities. These lessons would apply to all schools except adult education institutions, including public, private, and non-public schools. The initiative also seeks to include grades for these subjects on report cards and in final averages.
On September 26, during the 41st Sejm session, Piotr Janowicz of the Legislative Initiative Committee noted that such solutions are standard in most EU countries and do not imply a state religion. However, the Sejm chamber was nearly empty during the debate.
Polish Bishops’ Letter on Religious Education
The Polish Episcopal Conference (KEP) also advocates for changes regarding religious education. In a letter for the 15th Education Week, the bishops emphasized that religion is a constitutional right of students and parents. They criticized recent government decisions as unprecedentedly limiting the role of religious education in youth development, calling such actions discriminatory and intolerant toward believers.
The bishops highlighted the educational, therapeutic, and preventive aspects of religious instruction, stating that moral and spiritual formation is essential for mature living.
Changes to Religious Education Regulations
New regulations from the Ministry of Education stipulate that religious and ethics lessons will be reduced to one hour per week, scheduled either before or after mandatory classes. The ministry argues that this change will improve lesson planning and eliminate gaps in the school day.
