The Bible is proposed to be made mandatory for children from the age of three: what the petition suggests

A petition has been registered in Ukraine proposing to introduce annual reading of the Orthodox Bible in kindergartens and schools. The program is proposed to be extended to children from three years old until the end of grade 11, but parents are to be given the right to refuse such classes in writing.

The corresponding petition No. 11048 was published on the government’s electronic petitions portal.

What the petitioner proposes

The initiative involves developing a separate curriculum for preschool and general secondary education institutions.

According to the proposal, children should read the Orthodox Bible every year – starting from the age of three and throughout their studies in grades 1-11.

At the same time, it is proposed to make a child’s participation in such a program optional at the parents’ discretion: they will be able to refuse classes in writing.

Why is it proposed to read the Bible in educational institutions

The author of the petition justifies the initiative by the historical role of the Orthodox faith in Ukraine and the need to preserve the spiritual and national heritage.

Among the arguments mentioned are the baptism of Kyivan Rus in 988 and the history of the Ukrainian Cossacks.

The author also believes that introducing children to the Bible can contribute to the formation of decency, discipline and moral values.

Separately, the text of the petition expresses the opinion that such education can potentially contribute to the reduction of crime and corruption. At the same time, this is the position of the author of the petition, and not an established consequence of the introduction of such a program.

Reference is made to the experience of European countries

In support of his proposal, the author of the petition cites examples of European countries where religious education in various forms is present in schools.

In particular, Germany, Austria, Belgium and Greece are mentioned.

At the same time, models of religious education and rules for children’s participation in such classes differ in different European countries.

Will Bible reading be introduced in schools

There is currently no talk of introducing a new mandatory subject or course.

The petition is only an appeal with a proposal to the Cabinet of Ministers and does not in itself create new rules for Ukrainian schools and kindergartens.

At the time of publication of the information, the initiative received 68 votes out of 25 thousand necessary for its consideration.

Therefore, no decision on mandatory Bible reading for children from three years of age in Ukraine has been made yet.