Loyola High School, a private Jesuit school in Montreal, Canada, is awaiting the decision of a court challenge against the Quebec provincial government’s decision to require schools to teach a new "Ethics and Religious Culture" curriculum, which replaces the previous choice between Catholic or Protestant religion or secular morality course.

This course, which has been compulsory in primary and secondary schools since September, introduces students to contemporary ethical issues and the main world religions, while promising a stronger concentration on Christianity given Quebec’s Catholic heritage. The course is intended to be taught with neutrality, even in religious institutions.

While Loyola is requesting an exemption to allow it to teach an equivalent course from a Catholic perspective, the court case touches on a number of significant issues.

Paul Donovan: “In a society that is becoming more and more secular, what is the role of confessional schools and, especially for us, Catholic Schools in Quebec society? [...] Do we have a place in determining and looking at what is the common good and what is the recognition of others, which are supposedly the main goals of the course that is in question?”

Fr. Rob Brennan, SJ: “Jesuit education has always been about the service of faith and justice and I think that what we are doing this week: serving faith and promoting justice. [...] The Church has always emphasized the need for Catholic education. [...] Jesuits have been known as the school teachers of the world and I hope we still are.”

The Quebec government has chosen not to comment during the course of proceedings and it will take several months before the Superior Court judge makes a decision. Though local bishops have repeatedly denounced the loss of parental choice in education, they have agreed to give the course a chance, adding that they will be watching vigilantly.

         Salt + Light Television