Bulgarian Orthodox Church backs compulsory religion classes in schools

The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has expressed its support for proposed legislative changes that would introduce “Virtues and Religions” as a compulsory subject in Bulgarian schools.

In an official position published on September 18, the Holy Synod welcomed two draft laws submitted to Bulgaria’s 52nd National Assembly concerning amendments to the Preschool and School Education Act. The proposed subject would offer alternative programs, including Religion – Orthodoxy, Religion – Islam, and Ethics and Civic Education.

The Synod stressed that the purpose of Orthodox religious education should not be “indoctrination,” but rather to provide pupils with basic religious literacy and the knowledge necessary to make informed choices. It argued that Orthodox Christianity forms an important part of Bulgaria’s religious, historical and cultural tradition.

At the same time, the Bulgarian Church proposed several changes to the legislation. It called for the curricula and teachers involved in denominational religious education to be coordinated with the respective religious communities. For Orthodox classes, teachers would therefore require a recommendation from the relevant…