Apart from the differences among various countries, "linked with the various religious experiences said the secretary of CCEE in the Continent, and with the different juridical statutes of religious teaching, the research points out the important role of this teaching, even though an unfavourable and suspicious trend concerning religions is gaining ground in Europe: religion is considered a private fact, which should not be part of teaching. However, its teaching is necessary to understand the identity, actions, art, history, and culture of a people. Furthermore, religion provides answers to the crucial questions on the vision of man, the meaning of life, peoples living together. Religion is also the subject of study for several scientific disciplines, with renewed interest by lots of people". According to Msgr. Giordano, religion teaching has the "scientific characteristics" of other subjects. "It is neither a faith journey, nor a catechesis he said; it is rather a science studying the religious event". And as such, "it requires competent teachers which at the same time must be part of a faith experience". Therefore, it is right "that the Church gives them permission and canonical mission". (To be continued)
