Religious education in secondary schools in Ukraine: the place and influence of the Catholic component

Abstract

Today, in Ukraine, the issue of religious education remains not less but rather even more debatable and relevant than in the period of 2005, when the order No. 437 "On the study of optional courses on ethics of religion and religious studies in schools" and further regulatory documents were issued, aimed at creating conditions for the all-Ukrainian introduction of subjects of spiritual and moral orientation in general educational institutions. According to the Ministry of Education and Science, Youth and Sport of Ukraine, in the 2011/2012 school year, about 40% of schools (approximately 15% of all schoolchildren) are covered by the teaching process of the relevant subjects. However, a few important issues remain, the solution of which is urgent in order to further improve the situation in educational and educational progress of state initiatives.