62% of parents are against a mandatory subject "Religion" in schools, shows poll

Radio Bulgaria in English

Thursday 13 March 2025 13:16

Thursday, 13 March 2025, 13:16

Iliyan Cholev, professor in religion in Razgrad

PHOTO BTA

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62% of parents are categorically against the introduction of a mandatory subject "Religion and Orthodox Christianity", and only 10% consider the lack of religious education to be a significant problem. This is shown by a survey by the Parents Association, in which 3,042 participants participated. The study is in the context of the desire stated by the Ministry of Education to introduce a mandatory subject in religion in school.

To date, the subject is optional for schools and students.

Almost half of the respondents (48%) define themselves as believing Christians, but only 29% of them are "for" such a mandatory subject.

The issue is not a priority for most families, especially against the background of more pressing challenges such as the development of thinking and skills in children (56%), outdated teaching methods and overloaded and poorly presented educational material in textbooks (41-44%), the survey shows.

The Parents Association points out that when there are ideas for introducing new school subjects, parents should be part of the debate.

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