A recent survey by the Public Opinion Research Center (CBOS) revealed that 51% of Poles favor religious education in public schools, while 43% oppose it. Despite its overall support, CBOS noted a decline in approval, the lowest since 1991. The highest backing comes from religiously active individuals and right-leaning voters.
Calls for Changes in Religious Education
The survey shows that 58% of respondents support reducing religious classes from two to one hour weekly. Additionally, 69% believe that religious grades should not count toward final grade averages. Most respondents (63%) also oppose issuing final grades in the subject, reflecting broader sentiment for limiting its impact.
Interestingly, 37% of respondents prefer that religious education be optional and offered at church-run catechetical points. Another 35% would like it to remain non-mandatory in schools, while a minority supports compulsory lessons either in schools or at parishes.
Preferences for Class Scheduling
Moreover, 79% of respondents favor scheduling religious classes at the beginning or end of the school day, making them easier to opt out of if desired. These results suggest a growing desire for flexibility in religious education within Poland’s public school system.