SPC to establish its own university: What else is foreseen in the changes to the Law on Churches

The Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) is set to establish its own university, a move outlined in proposed amendments to the Law on Churches and Religious Communities currently under parliamentary review. The legislation, which proponents argue should be adopted urgently to prevent negative consequences for religious institutions, would allow the SPC to create a higher education institution of "special social significance."

Currently, the law permits churches and religious communities to found preschools, primary schools, gymnasiums, and vocational and art schools. The proposed changes would expand this authority, enabling them to operate across the entire educational spectrum, from early childhood education to university level. This expansion aims to allow religious entities to fulfill their societal roles through a comprehensive educational system.

The justification for these amendments highlights the intention to integrate all such institutions into Serbia's unified educational system. This integration would mandate that all schools and universities founded by churches and religious communities adhere to the same legal framework, quality standards, program requirements, and accreditation processes as state-run or other private educational bodies.

The specific provision for the SPC's university acknowledges the church's "invaluable historical role in the development of education, science, and culture, as well as in preserving the spiritual and national identity of the Serbian people and the Republic of Serbia." The amendments also introduce a flexible framework for financing and governance, allowing for co-founding by other legal entities, individuals, or even the Republic of Serbia, provided there is mutual agreement among the founders.