A decision by the Greek Supreme Court that religious instruction should not be compulsory may have far-reaching consequences for the relationship between church and state as well as for schools.
Religious instructors and Greek Orthodox leaders have deplored the decision, saying it undermined the faith. But it was welcomed by constitutionalists who say that Greece should follow other European countries on this issue.
The court has also ruled that pupils can be excused from morning prayers on grounds of conscience. The decision followed a case brought by the parents of a secondary pupil, whose grades were altered by his headteacher because he refused to pray during assembly.
