Published: 2026-09-28

State–Church Relations in the Field of Education in Recent Years. From a Consensual Model to a Crisis in its Application

Paweł Sobczyk
Prawo Kanoniczne
Section: Articles and dissertations
DOI https://doi.org/10.21697/pk.2026.69.3.06

Abstract

The problem addressed: In 2024-2025, the Minister of Education issued three regulations amending the rules governing religious instruction in public schools. Failure to reach the statutorily required agreement with the competent churches and other religious associations triggered a dispute concerning both the presence of religion in education and the constitutional model of state–Church relations.

The aim of the research conducted: To assess whether the state’s regulatory measures concerning religious instruction complied with constitutional, concordat and statutory principles of cooperation, with particular attention to the requirement to act “in agreement”.

Methods: The study primarily employs the doctrinal legal method, including analysis of applicable legislation, case law and scholarship.

The results of the research: In its rulings of 2024-2025, the Constitutional Tribunal confirmed the importance of consensual determination of relations between the state and churches and other religious associations and found three regulations inconsistent with higher-ranking norms. The position of religion in public education serves institutional principles and protects the rights of children and parents concerning education and upbringing.

The conclusions drawn from the research: Protecting the constitutional and international model of state–Church relations requires compliance with the statutory duty to act “in agreement” when shaping the position of religion in public education, together with consistent use of legal and institutional instruments.

Keywords:

constitution, concordat, Minister of Education, in agreement, principles of state-Church relations, education, religion

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Sobczyk, P. (2026). State–Church Relations in the Field of Education in Recent Years. From a Consensual Model to a Crisis in its Application. Prawo Kanoniczne, 69(3), 113–131. https://doi.org/10.21697/pk.2026.69.3.06

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