The following ‘Form for tabling a parliamentary question’ has been presented to us as a matter of urgent concern. Copies of the form will available at weekend Masses. It is important that show our support for Religious Education at every level, making our voices heard. Signed forms may be returned to myself at St Alphonse. Fr Ed

update: It has been pointed out that this petition has been organised by parents concerned at the proposed reductions/cuts in Religious Education, and not by any other official body.

“The Board of Governors of the European Schools has announced cost-cutting measures within which religious education at the European Schools shall be reduced or entirely cut. This issue was taken off the agenda of the Board of Governors at the beginning of 2013 following the European Parliament’s urging. It was announced that working groups, together with the Churches, would develop a new framework regarding religious education by December 2013.

It seems, however, that the Churches and those affected by the new framework, namely the students and their parents, have not or not sufficiently been included in this process and have not been sufficiently informed.

What position does the European Commission advocate in the working groups and the Board of Governors regarding the cutting of religious education in the European Schools? How can, according to the European Commission, the concrete and differentiated conveying of values be ensured in the European Schools if religious education will be cut? Will religious education be offered in the students’ mother tongue? What further steps are planned? Is there already a specific timeframe for the decisions to be taken?”