Catholic schools advised against imposing Christian traditions
The decision was made during a meeting to address the Church's reaction to the prevailing socio-political circumstances in the country.
Catholic schools have received a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at promoting inclusivity, respect for diverse faiths, and holistic education. The guidelines, issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), emphasize that students must respect all faiths and traditions, recite the Preamble to the Constitution daily, and refrain from imposing Christian traditions on students of other religions.
These instructions are intended to address the “emerging challenges due to the current socio-cultural, religious, and political situation” in the country. The decision to issue these guidelines was made during a meeting discussing the Church’s response to the prevailing socio-political circumstances.
The guidelines come in the wake of attacks and protests against educational institutions run by the Christian community. For instance, in February, members of the right-wing group Bajrang Dal protested at a private Christian missionary-run school in Tripura’s capital, Agartala, after a teacher allegedly prohibited a student from wearing a wristband adorned with a religious symbol, claiming it hurt religious sentiments. Similarly, Christian schools in Assam received a 15-day ultimatum from a radical Hindu group to remove all Christian symbols and religious habits worn by priests, nuns, and brothers on their campuses.
Among the key suggestions by CBCI for schools is the promotion of respect for all faith traditions without discrimination. Schools are urged not to enforce Christian traditions on students of other religions and to establish an “inter-religious prayer room” to foster inclusivity and religious tolerance.
Regarding student formation, CBCI encourages schools to prioritize spiritual and moral growth through activities such as prayer, retreats, and daily recitation of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution during assemblies. The document also highlights the development of virtues and character traits like resilience, humility, and leadership.
In addition to academic support and extracurricular activities, the guidelines emphasize the importance of mental health and well-being by advocating for counseling services, healthcare facilities, and awareness programs to address students’ emotional and psychological needs.
For staff welfare, CBCI recommends ongoing professional development, mentorship programs, and support services to ensure a healthy work-life balance and foster a collaborative culture among educators.
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