‘Don’t force Christian tradition’: Catholic institutions enter schools

New Delhi:

Catholic schools have published a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at promoting inclusivity, respect for the diversity of faiths and a holistic education. According to the guidelines issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), students must respect all faiths and traditions, recite the Preamble of the Constitution every day and must not impose Christian traditions on students of other religions.

The directives were issued to help address “new challenges arising due to the current socio-cultural, religious and political situation” in the country.

The decision was taken at a meeting to discuss the Church’s response to the current socio-political situation in the country. The document was released against the backdrop of attacks and protests against staff at educational institutions run by Christian communities.

In February this year, members of the right-wing group Bajrang Dal today staged a protest at a private Christian missionary-run school in Agartala, the capital of Tripura, after a teacher allegedly banned students from wearing religious symbols. wristband. Protesters claimed the act hurt religious sentiments.

The same month, Christian schools in Assam received a 15-day ultimatum from radical Hindu groups to remove all Christian symbols and religious practices worn by priests, nuns and brothers from their campuses.

One of the CBCI’s key recommendations to schools is to emphasize respect for all faith traditions without discrimination. Educational institutions are urged not to impose Christian traditions on students of other religions and to establish “interfaith prayer rooms” in school buildings to promote inclusivity and religious tolerance.

In terms of student development, CBCI encourages schools to prioritize spiritual and moral growth, including activities such as prayers, retreats and recitation of the Preamble of the Constitution of India during daily assemblies. The 13-page document also emphasizes the development of virtues and character traits such as resilience, humility and leadership.

In addition to academic support and extracurricular activities, the guide also emphasizes the importance of mental health and well-being, advocating for the provision of counseling services, medical facilities and awareness programs to meet the emotional and psychological needs of students.

For employee benefits, CBCI recommends ongoing professional development, mentoring programs and support services to ensure a healthy work-life balance and promote a collaborative culture among educators.