Catholic Bishops of Poland Appeal to Government for Immediate Restoration of Religion Classes for Young People

Presidium of the Polish Episcopal Conference: We are observing the activities of the Ministry of National Education with concern stemming from our concern for the young generations.

We are observing the actions of the Ministry of National Education with concern for the young generations, write members of the Presidium of the Polish Episcopal Conference in the statement "Young People Deserve More." The bishops appeal for the immediate restoration of religion classes to their proper place in schools, and they welcome with concern and concern the Ministry of National Education's decision to make the subject "Health Education" mandatory from September 1st of this year.

The bishops point out that family, school, religious communities, social organizations, and the state all co-create the space for young people's development. "There is a need for cooperation based on mutual respect and recognition of the competences of each participant in the educational process," they emphasize. "At the threshold of a new school year and in the face of the serious challenges facing education, the Presidium of the Polish Episcopal Conference feels obligated to speak out in the spirit of pastoral care for the young generations in our homeland," the statement reads.

Referring to religion classes, the bishops point out that they are not a privilege of the Church. They emphasize that religion classes are a constitutional right of students and parents, stemming from the principle of freedom of conscience and religion and the right of parents to raise their children in accordance with their own beliefs. "In this context, we observe the actions of the Ministry of National Education with concern stemming from concern for the young generations," the bishops admit. "The order to place religion classes before or after other school activities, the reduction of the teaching load to one hour per week, the possibility of combining classes, and the removal of the grade for religion from the grade point average lead to their marginalization in Polish schools," the bishops state. "We appeal for the immediate restoration of these classes to their proper place and for a genuine dialogue with representatives of religious communities," the statement reads.

Members of the Presidium of the Polish Episcopal Conference also express support for a citizens' bill aimed at guaranteeing every student access to classes that shape the axiological foundations of life, either as part of religion or ethics classes. They add that "students should choose between religion and ethics classes." "This is a matter of responsibility for the future of the young generation," they point out.

The bishops appreciate the need for health education in schools and recognize its importance for disease prevention, mental health, and responsible social attitudes. "Our concerns, however, concern the vision of humanity, marriage, and family that emerges from the curriculum and published textbooks. Therefore, we welcome with concern and concern the decision of the Ministry of National Education to make the subject 'Health Education' mandatory from September 1st of this year," they point out. They point out that leaving the module on sexuality optional does not solve the problem. "Education in such a sensitive area of ​​human life must respect parents' right to decide on its shape. The state should support the family in its upbringing, not take over its basic functions. Sexuality should be presented in the context of marital and family relationships, because in this context it serves the true good of humanity. The lack of a clear position that marriage is a union between a man and a woman is also concerning," the bishops emphasize.

Members of the Presidium of the Polish Episcopal Conference (KEP) also point out that the development of the curriculum lacked broad dialogue with groups responsible for education. "The demands and requests of the Roman Catholic Church were not taken into account. We believe that such an important area of ​​education requires broad social consensus, program transparency, and the effective participation of parents and educational communities. We appeal for substantive consultations with parents, educational communities, and religious communities, and for joint development of curriculum content that respects the worldview of all parents, children, and young people," the statement reads.

Finally, the bishops express their gratitude to all parents, teachers and educators who every day undertake the effort of educating children based on values.

BP KEP

Full text of the statement:

https://episkopat.pl/doc/251595.Prezydium-KEP-Z-niepokojem-plynacym-z-troski-o-mlode-pokolenia