Cluj school service row erupts before classes begin as students are called to cathedral

A request for students to attend a religious service at Cluj-Napoca’s Metropolitan Cathedral has triggered an inquiry and controversy just before the start of the school year.

The Cluj County School Inspectorate asked schools to ensure that one class from each school attended a Te Deum service at the cathedral on the first day of classes. The document said schools “will ensure the participation of a class of students,” who would be accompanied by their religion teacher.

That wording prompted a reaction from Education Minister Mihai Dimian. He said the instruction gave the impression that attendance was compulsory and that the optional nature of participation should have been stated clearly.

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is not mandatory, it is an invitation

The inspectorate rejected the suggestion that it had imposed an obligation. Spokeswoman Amalia Gurzău said the letter “is not mandatory, it is an invitation” aimed at students who attend religious education. She said the reference to one class estimated the number of students needed for safety arrangements during the trip and for obtaining parental consent.

Church representatives also entered the debate. Andrei Andreicuț, the Metropolitan of Cluj, Maramureș and Sălaj, said the service had traditionally been held at the beginning of the school year. “Their presence is not necessary, but we warmly invite them,” he said. The inspectorate added that the invitation applied to students who attend religious education, a subject chosen by more than 90% of students in Cluj County.

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Their presence is not necessary, but we warmly invite them