Ladies and gentlemen,
Will Catholic children in Poland not have spiritual classes in schools in 2026?
The question seems to be valid, due to the fact that the course taken by MEN towards this subject is clear – “remove, push into the sacristy, let the state return before 1990!”.
Let's remember: The writing of Catholic education (let's call it by name) started last year.
In the spring of 2024, the ministry decided that grades from religion and ethics would not be included in the average.
In the summer, however, it was decided that interclass groups of students from different yearbooks could be created, not only in situations where there are no willing to participate in spiritual lessons (i.e. there are less than 7 people from the class). Moreover, this was done without legal agreement with church representatives and another spiritual associations.
This sparked opposition from the catechets, the Polish Episcopal Conference, and even the Ombudsman. No wonder: this decision struck the right to education and care, appropriate to age and development, and in practice meant the spectrum of the failure of work by many spiritual teachers. In addition, the calendar of changes was absurd: the regulation was published on 26 July 2024 and was to enter into force on 1 September of the same year!
But as it turned out, it was only the beginning.
In January of that year Barbara Nowacka signed a decree that from 1 September 2025 religion is to be taught 1 hr a week – of course, optionally. In addition, classes are to take place only in the first or last lesson, and any additional classes would be held in catechical halls – that is, as before 1990...
Not so much a protest has been responded to this movement of the catechists' community as they have reached out to the mechanics of the citizens' legislative initiative. In April, a collection of signatures began under a bill that introduces a mandatory 1 hr of religion or ethics at school.
In order for the task to be read in the Sejm, the initiators must collect more than 100,000 signatures by June 27. Today, 4 June, there is not yet the required number, so I ask you very much for aid and commitment!
MEN representatives talk so much about education, about values, about health, about the welfare of young Poles. Meanwhile, in front of our eyes, the objects that form human spiritual and moral improvement – religion and ethics are being rejected from the educational space.
You can ask yourself – if we do not halt these trends, what will happen to us on September 1, 2026? possibly even full expulsion from schools.
These actions are not only marginalization of religion, but above all a public discrimination against our children.
At school, Minister Nowacka will learn that their interest in faith, theology or past of the Church is insignificant and truly completely unnecessary in life.
They will learn how to take care of their health, but they will not know what good, conscience, moral responsibility, responsibility, or universal values are.
After all, theology and ethics are technological disciplines that have taken place in schools and education systems for hundreds of years. So do you imagine that for the current government 1 cognition is better and another is worse?
One of them can be required to prepare decently for life and yet – a conviction of the maturity exam, and another not?
You might as well drop the math grade. due to the fact that why should the promotion to the next class be determined by cognition of trigonometry alternatively than cognition of the social harmfulness of lies or cognition of fundamental human rights?
Many statutes of Polish schools state that the mission of the school is to supply a comprehensive education of the student. Not only knowledge, but besides education for value and social life are highlighted.
At the same time, it quietly tries to reduce both students in their improvement and the school in their mission.
We don't agree to that!
In consequence to Barbara Nowacka's actions We are committed to the Future Values campaign, whose intent is to collect 100,000 signatures under the bill as part of a citizens' legislative initiative mechanism.
The thought of this task is very simple: religion or ethics at school is to be compulsory, and the kid is to participate in 1 or the other.
The collection of signatures began in early April. On 27 June, the initiators must submit at least 100,000 signatures to the office of the Sejm.
But there is inactive no quantity required! And time runs relentlessly.
That is why I am asking you very much to aid and engage in this campaign!
You can download a card with a list of signatures and instructions on how to do this correctly. Look out! – it is not adequate to fill out the form on the website: the signature must be filed by hand on the card downloaded and sent to the Committee.
I besides encourage you to collect signatures among relatives and acquaintances. A good thought is besides contact your parish priest and collect your signatures in the parish: among communities and groups or simply after Sunday Masses. I'm asking for mobilization, due to the fact that There are 2 last Sundays left to do this!
This list should be sent to the Citizens' Committee of the Legislative Initiative – Forteczna 3, 61-362 Poznań, by 20 June at the latest (we presume that a week is needed to number and prepare for submission).
If 1 decently filled card had come from all Polish parish – then the collection of signatures would have been a success!
| I want to sign my signature! |
Ladies and gentlemen,
The discipline of religion or ethics is fundamental to the improvement of the youngest, who frequently cannot answer their own questions themselves, do not know where to go, are not certain what will aid them to supply intellectual peace, deeper knowing of the planet and household and social values.
We gotta aid them.
Therefore, in addition to being active in the “Values for the Future” campaign, the Centre of Life and the household continues to support parents in protecting their children from demoralisation.
We constantly inform about the dangers in social media, cross Poland to show our movie "It's nothing", indicate the harmfulness of sexual education and remind of the request to discharge your kid from this subject (a message to the manager should be submitted by 25 September at the latest). This week we have already visited Marks and Wieliczka, and next week we are going to Chotomov, Calvary Mountains and the East.
These trips cost us quite a few time – as I late wrote to you – but besides entail circumstantial financial costs. I am thinking, in particular, of the fees for printing publications and brochures that we make available at specified meetings, as well as logistical costs – fuel and car operation. Well, driving more than 50,000 km in a fewer months reflects on the car – it has late refused to comply and we are presently waiting to measure its repair.
But I know these meetings are crucial and needed, and their intensification will take place at the turn of August and September, at the beginning of the school year. Then we will want to scope as many parents as possible to inform them and encourage them to discharge their children from this subject.
Once again, I ask you both to sign and aid me collect signatures for a civilian task under the Future Values campaign. This depends on the protection and improvement of the young generation, which in times of chaos needs signs so much.
You have a real influence on the school’s behaviour of spiritual lessons and ethics that teach life and aid you find it.
Every signature counts, and there's not much time left.
I look forward to your aid and warmly greet
Marcin Perłowski
Director of the Life and household Centre
