Teaching of Religion in the System of Public Education and Equality of Religious Organizations

Abstract

In Poland, the right to organise lessons of religion in public kindergartens and schools belongs to religious organisations that have a definite legal status. This right stems from the right of parents to raise their children in accordance with their world view that may happen to be of religious character. Evidently, the exercise of the said right must be compliant with the constitutional principle of equality of religious organisations. The some proponents of the doctrine of law on religion call into question the compliance of particular legal solutions with the principle of equality with regard to teaching of religion in public schools. These solutions will include: description of qualifications of religion teachers, the development of curricula for religious instruction, limits as to the number of students for religion lessons to take place, and the right to exempt students from regular classes to take part in a retreat. Our analysis of the legal solutions relating to the right to arrange teaching of religion at public schools by religious organisations permits a conclusion that they are in conformity with the constitutional principle of equality of such entities.