Religious education and freedom of religion and belief
Statement presented by Mrs Helga Fastrup Ervik, Head of the Norwegian delegation to the International Consultative Conference on School Education in Relation to Freedom of Religion and Belief, Tolerance and Non-Discrimination
(Madrid, 23-25 November 2001)
Excerpt
HRWF (27.11.2001) - Website: http://www.hrwf.net - Email: info@hrwf.net - Teaching on Christianity, other religions and non-religious beliefs occupies a central place in education, in a separate subject known as Christian Knowledge and Religious and Ethical Education. It is a regular school subject based on the overriding aims of the national curriculum as mentioned above. The subject deals with the various religions and beliefs as well as with ethics. This is done in a respectful and non-preaching way, seeking to strengthen the sense of identity of the individual pupil.
In the last thirty years Norway has become a multi-cultural society with many different religious affiliations. This fact represents a tremendous resource for us while also presenting us with challenges we seek to deal with in a serious and productive manner. The new common subject Christian Knowledge and Religious and Ethical Education has led to a debate on parents rights with regard to the teaching of religion and about the form and content of such teaching.
The question of the right not to participate in religious teaching has been brought to court in Norway. In August this year, the Norwegian Supreme Court in a unanimous decision rejected the claim that the subject Christian Knowledge and Religious and Ethical Education as an obligatory teaching violates the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. It is not yet clear if the case will be brought to Strasbourg. However, an evaluation of the subject is now being carried out. Representatives for the various organisations of religion and belief take part in this evaluation. It is already clear that the nature and content of the teaching will be adapted to take account of the criticisms that have been made.
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