The Issue of Teaching Religious Studies in Ukrainian Educational Institutions. Relevance of Implementing Ideological Principles in Schools in Post-War Ukraine and Global Practices

Abstract

The article explores the issue of teaching religious studies in Ukrainian educational institutions, identifying practical and ideological expediency for introducing subjects of moral and spiritual orientation in state schools.
 It has been emphasized that after the declaration of Ukraine’s independence, laws on religious freedom, as a subjective legal right, and religious organizations, as instruments and systems for meeting religious needs, occupied a significant place. Additionally, the primary laws, subordinate acts, and decrees ensuring the right to freedom of religion in Ukraine were analyzed, along with normative-legal documents serving as a legal mechanism to meet citizens’ educational needs.
 It has been noted that Article 53 of the Constitution of Ukraine not only guarantees the right to education but also establishes the compulsory nature of full general secondary education. Moreover, according to the laws of Ukraine, a policy of clear secularization of the school and church is in effect.
 It has been noted that the state recognition of diplomas and authorization for religious organizations to establish educational institutions where both secular and religious disciplines will be taught fully comply with the requirements of international law.
 An analysis of statistical data on existing religious organizations has been conducted, and based on this, the dominant Abrahamic religion, which qualitatively prevails in Ukraine today, has been identified. The operating principles of private schools with various religious orientations accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, issuing state-approved educational documents, have been noted.
 Examples of the presence or secularization of indigenous religions, churches, or philosophical- ideological trends in schools of certain countries have been provided, and their impact on society has been analyzed.
 An analysis of the development of the interaction between the state and the church in educational processes in public schools in Ukraine has been conducted. It is emphasized that the agreement on cooperation between the Ministry of Education and the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations can be considered a guide for the interaction between the state and the church. Unfortunately, as of today, there is no regulatory mechanism developed to regulate and formalize the intentions laid out in the agreement.
 Conclusions have been drawn that the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with representatives of the churches, should develop a course of spiritual and moral direction and introduce a subject on the history and philosophy of Ukrainian spirituality. Such a course should serve as the foundation for shaping the fundamentals of civic consciousness and be based on the principles of tolerance, pluralism, democracy, self-respect, and self-improvement, with a mandatory emphasis on defining one’s own national-historical and cultural identity for the sake of spiritual revival and the growth of Ukraine.