The teaching of religion at school. A possible solution

Abstract

In this editorial we look at a subject with obvious social and political implications that is being discussed by everybody today. Our aim is to contribute to public dialogue, trying to overcome the superficiality and passion that the question has often been dealt with in the media, in schools themselves and even at street level. We offer our readers some basic reflections with the explicit desire of contributing too to understanding between the two principal protagonists in the debate: the Government and the hierarchy of the Church who, together with society, the main scene of public discussion, should advance towards a possible solution in this subject that has put them at loggerheads for so long. Beginning with a historical overview – essential for the correct understanding of what is at stake – we endeavour to offer a reasoned foundation for the presence of the subject of religion in general in state schools. We then go on to refer to constitutional principles that should back up the debate and the (little known) plurality of the European framework in this question, schematically summarised in three distinct models for integration of the religious element in schooling. In the suggested proposal for compromise that we present as a conclusion, we hold the firm belief that in conflictive questions of social relevance, a high degree of generosity is needed on both sides, accepting that a desirable consensus can only be reached if we all give way a little and relax our extreme positions.