Abstract

CURY, Carlos Roberto Jamil. The State, the Church, and Education in Brazil: the history and status of religious education in the Brazil-Vatican Concordat of 2008. Cad. Hist. Educ. [online]. 2023, vol.22, e188.  Epub Aug 07, 2023. ISSN 1982-7806.  https://doi.org/10.14393/che-v22-2023-188.

The aim of this article is to make use of analytical elements in reference to religious education within the context of the Concordat signed between Brazil and Vatican City in 2008. To do so, the historical development of this controversial subject, involving Church and State, is examined. It is in the framework of this dynamic, already portrayed by History of Education, that the legal foundations of this type of agreement, based on the terms of the Constitution of 1988, are brought to bear. This study identifies etymological aspects of the term “concordat”, as well as historical and conceptual aspects, especially due to the distinct features of the Vatican City State. Within the scope of history of education, this agreement has a background that brings the State and Church relationship to the fore, with a focus on questions of secularity and religious education since the time of the Padroado (Patronage) arrangement. We have endeavored to set forth the main elements of the terms of the agreement, judged by the Supremo Tribunal Federal (Supreme Court of Brazil) in 2017, on behalf of a Direct Action of Unconstitutionality concerning the query related to religious education. In this respect, the question is whether the decision of the Supremo observed what is written on religious education expressed in the Constitution and in the Law of Guidelines and Foundations of National Education.

Keywords : Secularity and religious education in Brazil; Religious education and legal decision; Religious education and the Brazil - Vatican City State Concordat.

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