The Relationship between Church and School:
The Bishops’ Perspective

1 - Orientations document: Jesus Christ, the way to humanization

In its orientations document, the Assembly of Bishops of Québec stressed the importance of maintaining good relationships with schools, despite the loss of their confessional status.

Some people may view this partial retreat from the public school concerning matters of religious education as disinterest on the part of the Catholic Church. This would be a serious misunderstanding. It is not because religious education in the schools may not necessarily reflect the objectives of the ecclesial mission that one must be resigned to its eventual disappearance. […]

The education given to our youth may put them on a pathway to humanization that is also a goal of the Church. […]

For many young Québécois, religious instruction may be the only opportunity they will have to address, with a certain consistency, the fundamental Christian way of life. They will also learn about other spiritual traditions in their search for happiness, freedom and authenticity. […]

… it will require finding ways of collaboration between two institutions whereby each in their respective areas will pursue a common objective: the humanization of youth and society.¹

 
2 - Link: Mémoire de l'Assemblée des évêques catholiques du Québec à la Commission de l'Éducation concernant l'enseignement religieux à l'école projet de loi no 95 – 1 juin 2005

1. JCWH, p.85-86