EUROPE/SPAIN - Bishops of Extremadura affirm that Education for Citizenship “is contrary to the Social Doctrine of the Church and the right of parents to educate their children in conformity with their moral beliefs.”

Badajoz (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Merida-Badajoz, following their ordinary session on October 21, 2008, issued a statement on the situation of education in Extremadura, especially in regards to the subject of Catholic Religion classes and classes on “Education for Citizenship.” The text is signed by Archbishop Santiago García Aracil of Mérida-Badajoz, Bishop Amadeo Rodríguez Magro of Plasencia, and Bishop Francisco Cerro Chávez of Coria-Cáceres.
As for the religion classes in schools, the Bishops show their concern for the fact that the class has been placed in the schedule in such a way that “students can choose between going to religion class or going home.” The Bishops have asked the authorities to “take into account the importance of the subject of religion, for the integral education of our children and adolescents.”
In addressing the obligatory subject entitled “Education for Citizenship,” one year after its installment in the schools of Extremadura, the Bishops offer several important guidelines in its regard. First of all, they express their approval of an “authentic civil formation in schools, founded on norms of social living, consitutional organization, and the universal human rights declarations.” And the Catholic Church in Extremadura offers its collaboration with such an effort. However, they also mention once more that “the formation of moral consciences should be an exclusive task of parents, and therefore, the obligatory nature of the class infringes on their rights.” Thus, the Bishops remind Catholic parents of their “duty to become familiar with this school material and, if necessary, defend freedom of conscience and education.” Thus, they explain that there are “legitimate means, for example that of conscientious objection.”
With these suggestions, the Bishops do not seek to lead the people into “non-compliance with the law,” however, in conscience, they cannot but fulfill their duty in saying that this subject “is contrary to the Church's Social Doctrine and, in our judgment, is also contrary to the rights of parents in educating their children in conformity with their moral beliefs.”
The Bishops conclude by uniting their voices to those who believe that “as long as the subject Education for Citizenship maintains its current contents, it should be optional and not obligatory, as established in the current education law (LOE).” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 24/10/2008)