For decades, the teaching of religion in German schools has been provided into separate classes based on religious denominations. Joint education in Bavaria is now permanently allowed in primary and secondary schools, provided that certain conditions are met. The future of religious education for Catholic and Protestant pupils in Bavaria’s primary and secondary schools is therefore ecumenical, with common lessons. The two main Churches and the Ministry of Culture reached an agreement on this issue, according to a statement released today. For this teaching to become permanent, however, specific conditions must be met. Firstly, there must not be enough pupils to justify the creation of an exclusive denominational group. However, this point is not clearly defined. In such cases, the teaching of religion is entrusted to a teacher belonging to the majority denomination. A pilot phase has been running since autumn 2019. According to Bavaria’s Minister of Education Anna Stolz, this type of joint teaching has been welcomed in schools. “Especially in times of social upheaval and great uncertainty, religious education can offer guidance by transmitting the foundations of Christian values”. The minister thanked both Churches. “They have always proved to be reliable partners in organising religious education”. The head of the Catholic Office in Bavaria, Matthias Belafi, has welcomed the agreed solution.