Catholic Schools as Peacemakers: A Path to Interreligious Harmony!

Catholic Schools as Peacemakers: A Path to Interreligious Harmony!

At a time of increasing social tensions, Catholic private schools in Austria have an important role in peace education. The education expert Marie-Theres Igrec commented on this at a conference in Vienna as part of the “Interfaith Harmony Week”, which takes place from February 1st to 7th. Igrec emphasized that in a pluralistic society, these schools must not only educate children, but also create spaces for interreligious exchange and understanding. In Austria, 292 Catholic private schools and around 600 kindergartens make up about 7 percent of the school system, with 75 percent of students being Catholic, while the rest are made up of children from other religious backgrounds, such as kathpress.at informed.

Interreligious understanding in everyday school life

Igrec advocated the importance of religious education in promoting interreligious understanding, as Austrian law entitles every recognized religious community to carry out religious instruction. For example, Muslim children receive Islamic religious instruction in private Catholic schools. The schools attach great importance to respecting the multi-religious nature of their students and creating integration spaces that also take into account festive occasions of other faiths. However, this not only requires spaces for religious instruction, but also committed interreligious learning, which requires good training for teachers privatschulen.at notes.

The idea behind education in Catholic schools is based on a theological foundation that takes into account both current and future social challenges. This goal should be implemented through practical approaches in the school culture, which requires constant reflection and adjustment of the vision. This vision is not only a guide, but also a source of inspiration that brings teachers and students together to face challenges and changes.