Crucifixes in Italian Classes

Should all public schools in Italy prominently display a crucifix? That's what currently happens and it represents an attempt to place Catholicism "at the center of the universe," but some are unhappy about it. Recently, a judge ordered a school to remove the crucifix from one room where a couple of Muslims students learn and that has set of a storm of controversy.

The Detroit News reports:

Although Saturday's court order is limited to the one crucifix, the Vatican and some government officials reacted with anger. "I am speechless," Cardinal Ersilio Tonini said. "The majority of the Italian people are offended by this verdict." "This is an outrageous decision," said Labor Minister Roberto Maroni, commenting on behalf of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's government. The Justice Ministry is ordering an inquiry into the legality of the judge's decision.

Let's see... people are outraged because a single crucifix would be removed from a single room out of respect for the beliefs of non-Catholic students. That's enough to offend the majority of Italian people? If so, then the majority of Italian people need to take a little time to consider the idea that non-Catholics are as deserving of respect and consideration as Catholics. Over time, all Europeans will have to deal more and more with the fact that a Christian majority cannot run roughshod over the rights and feelings of non-Christians. Assumed habits and practices look very different to immigrants and members of other religions.

Read More:

• Secularism 101
• Separation of Church and State 101
• Religion in Public Schools