The Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Culture has chosen not to present a petition to the Government of Montenegro regarding the incorporation of religious education into the education system for feedback and procedural steps.

The deputies declined to approve the Committee’s conclusion.

“This procedural motion was not successful, so I will liaise with the secretariat about how to update the Government of Montenegro on this petition, or the Secretary General may handle it,” explained Committee President Nikola Rovčanin.

Five MPs from the ruling party supported the motion, while five from the opposition abstained.

Session Overview

During today’s meeting, which addressed an e-petition advocating for the introduction of religious education as an optional subject in primary and secondary schools, Committee President Nikola Rovčanin clarified that secularism does not equate to atheism.

He highlighted that, apart from France and Slovenia, all European nations incorporate some form of religious education in their schooling systems; in some places, it is offered as optional, while in others, it is mandatory. He noted that in Croatia, for instance, religious education is an elective subject with an 85 percent student participation rate.

The petition received backing from more than 6,000 citizens.

“We obtained a petition signed by over 6,000 individuals along with a letter from NGOs — let those organizations address their correspondence to Western nations, where religious education is prevalent in various formats,” said committee member Dragan Bojović.

He added that secularism does not represent an aggressive stance against faith and religion.

“…nor does it imply the suspension of religion and religious groups; it ensures freedom of religion and non-belief without discrimination,” Bojović asserted.

“Our somewhat confrontational approach to faith and religion stems from our communist past — the EU model we aspire to embraces diverse forms of religious education. The fight for human rights initiated with the struggle for religious freedom. We shouldn’t blow every issue out of proportion and label it ‘clerical-fascist’ — if that’s the case, perhaps we should inform Western nations they are clerical-fascist,” he added.

Board member Vaso Obradović expressed that normal subjects are being overly dramatized.

“Incorporating religious education as an elective in the modern education system is entirely reasonable, considering that our quest for human rights has overshadowed our traditional values; all our principles arise from religious teachings,” said Obradović.

He emphasized numerous reasons for offering religious education as an elective, principally the right to such education, children’s entitlement to learn about their culture and identity, and the developmental role this subject could play.

“By designating it as an elective, we do not impose it on students but rather provide them the option to choose religious education among other subjects,” Obradović said.

Zoja Bojanić Lalović argued that the numerous statements from NGOs should not be regarded as alarming.

“By voicing our opinions under these conditions, we continuously infringe upon the Constitution, as this represents an extreme violation; we cannot equate religious education with human rights,” she stated.

She posed a question to her peers about whether they desire religious instruction or education about religions.

“You’re referencing practices from European countries; the difference lies in the subjects aimed at cultivating tolerance towards multiculturalism and diversity acceptance. This education is about understanding religions, not religious instruction,” Bojanić Lalović asserted, emphasizing that education must remain secular, multicultural, and geared towards fostering critical thinking among students, which justifies the inclusion of the History of Religion subject.

“Our perspective has become that believing individuals are uninformed,” Obradović replied to Bojanić Lalović, maintaining that adding religious education to schools does not signify the detriment of the education system, but rather an adaptation of it.

Bojanić Lalović countered that there is no professional or societal basis for introducing this subject, only a political motive.

“Who would teach these classes? Have you examined the religious education textbooks used in Western schools?” she inquired of Obradović.

Obradović assured that no one intends to convert educational institutions into religious entities.

“I have never disparaged the educational program for the history of religion subject. Religious education as an elective would allow interested children to delve deeper into the subject,” he noted, insisting on the clear separation of secular and religious matters.

“There won’t be various uniforms appearing there; we merely provide an opportunity for children to gain additional insight through this subject,” Obradović explained.

Rovčanin reiterated that the Committee reviews petitions and forwards them to the Government for consideration following proper procedures.

Dane Marković from PES remarked, “There was no need for discussion.” “Nor to articulate our viewpoints. The answer is straightforward: religious education follows its unique methodology, and science has its own. They can coexist but shouldn’t teach one another. Priests don’t conduct chemical experiments, therefore there’s no justification for discussing the creation of earth according to different religious beliefs in schools. I understand my colleague Rovčanin’s explanation; we’ve indeed addressed this. The minister shared her viewpoint,” Marković stated.

DPS MP Aleksandra Despotović emphasized that “dogma and religious education restrict critical thinking development.”

“Science and religious education cannot share the same space. Schools are public environments where subjects based on scientific inquiry are taught. No one’s personal beliefs are challenged; no rights are violated. We don’t foster discord among children. I cannot accept that science and dogma exist within the same framework,” she said.

Independent MP Radinka Ćinćur expressed that “the petition from civil society serves as a significant alert to us regarding necessary actions.”

“Should we foster conscientious thinkers or obedient believers? Our goal is to nurture cosmopolitan individuals, not revert to medieval times. Religious education thrives where religious bodies seek a profound societal influence,” she said.

She urged institutions in Nikšić to take a definitive stance on this matter.

PES MP Branka Marković suggested that “this discussion should transition from the parliamentary setting to a more professional and scientific framework, considering the unique context of Montenegrin society.”

MP GP URA Filip Adžič argued against creating new divides.

“Let’s be forthright: we currently have a history of religion class as an elective, which suitably educates students in this regard. I’d prefer not to exploit fundamental human sentiments for political gain by involving the youth,” emphasized Adžič.

DPS MP Aleksandra Vuković Kuč remarked that “this issue warranted a discussion at the Committee level.”

“I’m pleased that most of my colleagues believe religious education should not be included in schools, as no international legal provisions support this matter,” she concluded.

Civil society organizations and activists have submitted an updated signatory list to the Parliamentary Committee for Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, opposing the introduction of religious education into the school system.

They reported that 114 NGOs and nine activists have collectively “stood up for secular public education in Montenegro.”

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