Marco Ventura
The ambiguous status of religion
in Italian public education:
A (bad) model for Europe?
Conference on Law, Religion and Education
Oxford, 8 October 2010
The Italian ambiguities on religion at school
1. The role of the state in education (1860-).
2. The place of religion in public education (1924-).
3. Pluralism and religion in public education (1948-).
4. Discrimination, choice and religion in state schools (1984-).
5. Culture, traditions and religion in public education (2001-).
The Italian ambiguities on religion at school
1. The role of the state in education (1860-).
State education is established against the Catholic Church in order
to build national unity. Monasteries are confiscated and
transformed in state schools. Gabrio Casati
The Italian ambiguities on religion at school
2. The place of religion in public education (1922-).
1922 Mussolini reintroduces the crucifix in state schools
1929 Compulsory Catholic religious classes are taught in state
schools as the “foundation and the crown of public instruction”
(Concordat, art. 36).
The Italian ambiguities on religion at school
3. Pluralism and religion in public education (1948-).
Constitution of 1948
Christianity is not mentioned.
Art. 3 forbids religious discrimination
Art. 7 recognizes the independence of Italy and the Catholic Church
The same article provides for the 1929 Concordat to stay so that
religious classes are safeguarded.
The Italian ambiguities on religion at school
4. Discrimination, choice and religion in state schools (1984-).
Concordat of 1984, Art. 9
“Recognising the value of religious culture and having in mind that
the principles of Catholicism are a part of the historical heritage of
the Italian people”
Catholic religious classes still to be taught by teachers agreed by the
local Bishop
Discriminations must be avoided
Right to choose to attend or not
The Italian ambiguities on religion at school
5. Culture, tradition and identity in
public education (2001-).
Berlusconi’s government
Italian state school is a Catholic school
Minorities are not welcome
Religious activism of the “Lega Nord”
Visits of Bishops are encouraged
Crucifix is reintroduced
No alternative is granted for those who
do not attend Catholic classes
Those who attend Catholic classes
likely to get more credits
The Italian ambiguities on religion at school
Inherent ambiguity (a secular state with a Catholic preference)
Present ambiguity
public service = state schools + private schools?
principles (Christian Italy?)
competence (State? Local councils? Political parties?)
rights and obligations (religious classes; crucifix)
The Italian ambiguities on religion at school
The Lautsi case (blaming Europe for Italian deficiencies?)
Justice Bratsa, 30 Juin 2010:
“Is the display of the crucifix in Italian classes compulsory?”
The Italian ambiguities on religion at school
The Lautsi case (blaming Europe for Italian deficiencies?)
Nicola Lettieri for the Italian govmt, 30 Juin 2010:
“This is not clear”
Thank you