site.btaMPs Discuss Introduction of Religion in School Curriculum

MPs discussed the introduction of religion in the curriculum during a round table organised by the Ministry of Education and Science in Sofia on Thursday.

"I believe that the introduction of such a compulsory subject will greatly enhance interest in religions and help students learn about the basic virtues. This will allow many children to find the path to true religion and Christian virtues, in which our nation was formed to the greatest extent," said National Assembly Education and Science Committee Chair Andrey Tchorbanov (There Is Such a People).

He added that introducing religion into education will benefit Bulgarian children and families, as all traditional religions in Bulgaria preach tolerance and love, not aggression.

"Religion is already taught and present in the education system as an elective subject in three different versions, offered with approved textbooks from grades 1 to 12, as well as in the five spiritual schools that the State has supported for many years. All this shows that we currently have good cooperation with the relevant spiritual institutions," said former education minister and Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria Co-Floor Leader Nikolay Denkov.

During the discussion, Denkov highlighted four issues facing the panel and clarified that the proposals presented by the Education Ministry contain issues that are important to address and clean up before making amendments to the Preschool and School Education Act.