Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale944

Article 16

1. Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the light of the principle of freedom of

religion, recognizes the fundamental right of parents to see to the religious

education of their children; and it guarantees within the framework of the

academic programme and in conformity with the wishes of parents or guar-

dians, the teaching of the Catholic religion in all public schools, elementary,

middle and higher, and in pre-school centres, as a required subject for those

who choose it, under the same conditions as other required subjects.

2. In collaboration with the competent Church authorities, the educatio-

nal authorities will allow parents and adult students the possibility to avail

themselves freely of such teaching at the time of registration for the academic

year, in such a way that their decision does not give rise to any form of

academic discrimination.

3. The teaching of the Catholic religion will be carried out by teachers

who are suitable, with the canonical mandate of the local diocesan Bishop,

and in possession of the qualifications required for the particular level of

school by the laws in force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with respect for all

the rights and duties pertaining thereto. In the case of withdrawal of the

canonical mandate by the diocesan Bishop, the teacher will not be able to

continue teaching the Catholic religion.

4. Teachers of religion are full members of the teaching staff of the edu-

cational institutions mentioned in section 1 of this Article.

5. The programmes and the content of the teaching of the Catholic reli-

gion, as well as the text-books and didactic material must be prepared and

approved by the Episcopal Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ways

in which the teaching of the Catholic religion is conducted will be object of a

particular Agreement between the competent authorities of Bosnia-Herzego-

vina and the Episcopal Conference.

Article 17

1. The Catholic Church may freely organize institutions intended to pro-

vide charitable activity and social assistance, in conformity with the relevant

civil norms.