Spanish church officials say education law hurts parents' choices

Published: 2004-09-20

BARCELONA, Spain (CNS) -- The new school year began in Spain in mid-September amid allegations by church officials that a new education law could have a negative impact on Catholic parents' choices. Catholic educational organizations also have criticized the government for freezing Spain's main education law in May, a move they said has brought uncertainty and confusion in the education system. Manuel de Castro, secretary-general of the Spanish Federation for the Clergy in Education, said he was worried that the government's plans for a new education law would act "against freedom in education." Castro alleged that the government was attempting to open "an unjustifiable debate" on the validity of state-subsidized Catholic schools. He also expressed concern that the government intends to sideline Catholic religious education amid press rumors that there are plans to make religious education optional rather than obligatory.

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