Religious Education in Lithuanian Schools from 1918 to 1941

Abstract

Interwar Lithuania is viewed in religious ideological terms as ambiguous. The relationship between the Church and the State is very well reflected in the assessment of the Church's potential for school activities. The fact that teaching religion is enshrined in the Constitution and in the Catholic Campaign’s educational institutions demonstrates that the Church's ability to participate in regular schools in interwar independent Lithuania was relevant and important. Religious teaching and moral education were based on Scripture, Catechism, and Church History. The professionally developed curriculum and teaching methodology of this discipline aimed to fulfil its goals: the development of common human qualities, conscience-building, solidarity, and patriotism. Religion could only be taught by persons who were appointed in accordance with the requirements of the Concordat.