Even though the document specifies no definite confession, it is aimed at adding the Orthodox Culture Essentials subject to compulsory school programs.
Photo: Dmitry Dukhanin
| Other Photos |
 |
|
 |
Adherents of Religious Education Call to Conscience
Amendments to the Freedom of Conscience Act were submitted to Russia’s State Duma yesterday. The bill provides for teaching religion at schools, and the ultimate purpose to attain is making compulsory the Orthodox Culture Essentials subject at schools despite opposition of the Education and Science Ministry of Russia.
The amendments to the Freedom of Conscience Act were submitted to the State Duma by Alexander Krutov, deputy of the Rodina (Motherland) faction. The matter at stake is teaching religious and philosophical subjects in state educational institutions.
Even though the document specifies no definite confession, it is aimed at adding the Orthodox Culture Essentials subject to compulsory school programs.
“By submitting the amendment, we emphasize that one need to study essentials of Orthodoxy,” Krutov explained. “Any person of self-respect should know the history of country where he/she lives, be aware of spiritual values on which the state had been established.”
The current Education Act prohibits introducing Orthodoxy Essentials as a mandatory federal subject at schools, but allows teaching it within the regional component of school programs. In some form, this subject is being taught in nearly half of Russia’s regions, which is widely challenged by non-orthodox confessions.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Nov. 17, 2006
|
|
|
