GOVT & CATHOLIC CHURCH SIGN AGREEMENT ON CATECHISM IN SCHOOLS

ZAGREB, Jan 29 (Hina) - The Croatian Government and the Catholic Church in Croatia on Friday signed an agreement on religion classes in public schools and religious education in public pre-school institutions. The agreement was based on an agreement on educational and cultural cooperation between the Holy See and Croatia. It was signed in Zagreb on Friday by Education Minister Bozidar Pugelnik and the Primate of the Catholic Church in Croatia, Archbishop of Zagreb Josip Bozanic. According to the agreement, religion classes in public elementary and high schools are obligatory if selected, and would take place as part of the educational plan and programme, twice a week. Religious education in public pre-school institutions would be attended by children whose parents or guardians forwarded a written statement to the headmaster. The agreement also regulates who has the right to teach religion, who approves religion handbooks and the specialisation of religion teachers. The agreement gives parish priests the possibility of teaching catechism in schools several times per week. The Croatian Government and the Catholic Church in Croatia will appoint a committee to solve issues which may occur in the application of the agreement. The committee would include an equal number of Government and Church representatives. The Apostolic Nuncio in Croatia, Giulio Einaudi, was also present at the signing. (hina) it jn/ha