Bulgaria debates mandatory ‘Virtues and Religions’ school subject

Bulgaria is debating the introduction of a mandatory school subject titled ‘Virtues and Religions,’ which is intended to begin in the 2027/2028 academic year. The proposal includes one mandatory hour where students and parents can choose between various programs, including denominational religious studies or a non-denominational curriculum focused on ethics, virtues, and civic education. The subject is currently planned to be non-graded.

During discussions in the Parliamentary Education Commission, representatives of the Holy Synod requested that the Church be allowed to approve curricula and that grades be implemented for the subject. However, critics argue that introducing religion into the classroom could create social divisions among students of different faiths or no faith. Writer Zahari Karabaliev warned of potential new lines of separation between Christians and Muslims, or believers and atheists.

Economist and entrepreneur Aylin Pehlievanova, representing the ‘We Continue the Change’ party, expressed concerns that the classroom should be a unifying space rather than a parliamentary arena, citing personal experiences with childhood bullying related to perceived differences.