Religion becomes a compulsory subject in all Russian schools

(Feb. 15, 2012) After decades of official atheism, the government of Russia has chosen to make religious education compulsory in the nation's schools. From next September, Elementary and Middle School students will be asked to choose instruction in one of the four “traditional” faiths of Russia: Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Judaism, or Buddhism. Those who reject all four alternatives, may still opt for courses on the “foundations of religious culture,”or the “fundamentals of public ethics”. The decision was taken after two years of experimentation. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin approved the decree that introduced the teaching of religion throughout the country, following a trial that took place only in some regions. Banned during the Soviet period, religion returned to schools in April 2010 but only in 19 regions, with an initiative strongly supported by the Patriarch of Moscow and blessed by the Kremlin which was interested in cementing common values of national identity. Critics of religion raised several objections. Elena Romanova, Head of the Ministry of Education for the teaching of religion, lamented the lack of qualified teachers and good textbooks. In February, at Putin's order, the Ministry of Education launched training courses for teachers of religion, and in March, families will have to decide in which course to enroll their children.