Cyprus-Forum.com

[twinkle]

Church up in arms over proposal to cut religious instruction lessons
By Jean Christou

A PROPOSAL by the Education Ministry to cut down on religious instruction in schools has met by a storm of controversy from the Church and religious organisations.

The proposal, which the Ministry says is still at its very early stages, was condemned by the Association of Theologians and the Association of Religious Instruction Teachers.

Bishop Chrysostomos of Paphos also criticised the proposal, saying the Church would fight the move.

Currently, secondary-school pupils receive two hours of religious instruction per week, but the Ministry has proposed cutting it down to one hour.

Statements from religious organisations say state education not only has an obligation for the mental and physical well being of students, but also for their development as human beings.

“Religion helps the children develop the senses essential for life and human existence,” said a statement from the theologians.

“In a society that is characterised by falling morals and values, where the pursuit of easy profit and consumerism have become the absolute objective of the modern individual, where children are tempted to succumb to the ways of the modern world, religion teaches them how to maintain their identity. They know they are Christian Orthodox, which constitutes a basic component of our national identity.”

The statement also said that religion served the humanitarian objectives of education, respect for the rights of others, love for one’s fellow man, peace and freedom.

“Any reduction in the hours for religious instruction would be extremely harmful for children,” the statement said, adding that in fact the Ministry should be increasing the hours of religious instruction.

“We have told the Education Ministry we disagree and if they do go ahead we will react very forcefully,” said the Bishop of Paphos, who said the Holy Synod was firmly behind him. He too said the hours of instruction should be increased, not reduced.

“Our religion moulds our character and ethics, makes us better people. In this era of television and the internet, there are so many dangers for youths to go astray," he said.

An official at the Education Ministry said yesterday the proposal was in its very early stages and that nothing would be “forced on anyone” without lengthy discussions and hearing the views of all sides.

He said this could take the best part of a year.

“It’s just a proposal and there is going to be discussion,” the official said.
He said the proposal had been made as part of a study, which was conducted on behalf of the Ministry with regard to reforms that needed to be made in education as part of the island’s accession to the EU.



Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2005


How about teaching all religions? RE O'Level in the UK consisted of Christainity, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhism and the basic elements of all of these. Much more interesting and more useful in this world of religious unrest.

[Michael]

muslims etc , can fall into the "cultural lessons" or general studies. It cant be held on the same footing as Christianity. Either you believe in ones faith or you dont.

[twinkle]

My point is that you learn about everyone's faith and religion and are giving an opportunity to choose if you want to. Otherwise, people grow up with a biaised attitude towards other religions and a blinkered attitude to others cultures.

How can you say the muslim faith can't be held on the same footing as Christianity?

[Michael]

I just have. I have no views on Muslims , Hindu , Bhuddist or Seikhs. They are welcome to believe in what ever they find comfort.
Orthodox chistianity has very deep roots for Greeks for over nearly two thosand years. It defines who we are as much anything else. An integral part of this is teaching our faith in our schools.

[cypezokyli]

i disagree with learning religions , especially in junior schools.
at higher ages children should learn all religions and be able to choose

[Piratis]

The state should have absolutely nothing to do with religion. Religion should be a private matter of each citizen.

In schools religions should be taught as part of history and not for brainwashing children with crap.

[anastasiaC]

Religion is an interesting topic to be taught at schools but i doubt they would talk about all religions because I find the Orthodox faith is very into believing they are the one and only correct religion
and as long as its not rammed down peoples throats it would be a good thing to talk about and discuss in class

[TonyC]

....the Orthodox faith is very into believing they are the one and only correct religion

Isn't that the whole point for any religion? The whole definition of faith is that you believe in an absolute truth - therefore your religion must be the one and only correct one. But believing doen't mean you've got to push your beliefs down other people's throats!

Teaching in schools is all about the pursuance of knowledge, and that includes other religions than your own. As long as we're not talking about ranking religions - teaching that my religion is better than yours and trying to convert people - schools should give people a better understanding of each other and then we'll maybe get rid all this flag-burning etc. And by this I don't just mean "Christian" schools teaching Islam. Moslem schools teaching their people some tolerance for other religions and cultures wouldn't go amiss - the flag-burning isn't just a case of Christians not understanding Moslems, but also of Moslems having no tolerance for the fact that other societies think differently than they do. Or what

[stuff]

Orthodox faith is very into believing they are the one and only correct religion

how can u say its is only correct religion?and what if ı dont believe anything at all?and what is correct for u can be totally wrong for another ..

[stuff]

muslims etc , can fall into the "cultural lessons" or general studies. It cant be held on the same footing as Christianity. Either you believe in ones faith or you dont.

what do u mean?