In Favor of a Shift, Against Elimination: the Future of RE in Catholic Schools in XXI Century Belgium
In Favor of a Shift, Against Elimination: the Future of RE in Catholic Schools in XXI Century Belgium

Summary/Abstract: In spite of recent tendencies of secularization and religious pluralism, most Belgian schools are Catholic schools, where Roman Catholic RE is a compulsory subject. Given the large number of non-Catholic students in theseschools, this can lead to a de facto undermining of the freedom of religion andeducation. Accordingly, a shift in the system is required. In the long term,the number of Catholic schools should be in proportion with the number ofstudents/parents choosing for these schools. In the short term, however, thisstrategy is not recommended and for pragmatic reasons, I propose a systemin which confessional RE in substantially subsidized faith-based schools isno longer compulsory. I will argue that such a system does not lead to aninfringement of the (internal) freedom of religion of faith-based institutionsand that it will guarantee more educational and religious freedom than theactual system does. Finally, I will argue that RE should not be excluded fromthe curriculum, but that a shift to non-confessional RE is, within a contextof secularization, religious pluralism and growing religious extremism, anabsolute requirement.

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