Patterns of Religious Education Policy in Switzerland. The Long Arm of Distanced Christians?

In spite of its different cantonal jurisdictions and traditions, the development of religious education in Switzerland over the past decade has taken a common direction: the state has assumed a more active role in the field of religious education in public (state-run) schools. In this article, we ask the question: How do key social actors interpret these reforms and how do these interpretations relate to the social structure of religion in Switzerland, in particular with respect to the majority category of the so-called distanced Christians? Drawing on qualitative interviews with members of the schools’ teaching staff, school administrators, and church representatives, the article highlights a dominant interpretative pattern that frames the socially accepted representation of religion in public schools. Thus, rather than addressing the pedagogical dimension of religious education, we discuss the significance of this pattern for the debate on the public presence of religion in Switzerland and Europe.

Gruppe aus Richard Beer-Hofmanns dramatischer Dichtung "Jaákobs Traum" in der Aufführung des Deutschen Theaters in Berlin [Illustration] : Maria Fein (Rebekka), Else Heims, Margarete Christians

Oertel

Rudolf Christians, Rollenbild, Kniestück

Signatur des Originals: S 36/F03358

Rudolf Christians, Rollenbild

Signatur des Originals: S 36/F03359

Rudolf Christians als Don Carlos, Rollenbild, Kniestück, in: Friedrich Schiller: Don Carlos

Signatur des Originals: S 36/F03360

Rudolf Christians, Rollenbild, Kniestück, in: Ernst von Wildenbruch: König Laurin

Signatur des Originals: S 36/F03361

Rudolf Christians als Romeo, Rollenbild, Kniestück, in: William Shakespeare: Romeo und Julia

Signatur des Originals: S 36/F03362

Rudolf Christians, Rollenbild, Kniestück, in: Engelbert Humperdinck: Die Königskinder

Signatur des Originals: S 36/F03363

Rudolf Christians als Marcus Antonius, Rollenbild, Kniestück, in: William Shakespeare: Julius Caesar

Signatur des Originals: S 36/F03364

Rudolf Christians, Kniestück

Signatur des Originals: S 36/F12402

Rudolf Christians als König Heinrich V., Rollenbild, Kniestück, in: William Shakespeare: König Heinrich V.

Signatur des Originals: S 36/F12403