IFOP, for Famille Chrétienne and RCF-Radio Notre Dame, takes stock of the French people’s relationship with Catholic education.
A clear desire to be able to choose between public and private Catholic schools under contract with the state
67% of French people say they are attached to the possibility of freely choosing between public and private Catholic education, compared to 22% who are not, and 11% who don’t know. Overall, public opinion is therefore in favor of freedom of choice in education.
This attachment is particularly strong among those close to the Republicans (91%). As we move to the left of the political spectrum, this support diminishes, but remains clearly in the majority: it stands at 71% among supporters of the central bloc and 61% among supporters of left-wing parties.
Divided opinions as to the importance of spiritual time in Catholic establishments
For 39% of French people, it is legitimate for Catholic establishments to offer spiritual time during schooling. Conversely, 45% believe that this practice is not justified. The difference between these two positions is only 6 points, illustrating the ambivalence of public opinion regarding the role of religious education within Catholic private schools.
A marked refusal to adapt emotional, relational and sexual education courses to a Christian vision
A clear majority of French people reject the idea of a Christian adaptation of education courses on affective, relational and sexual life: 53% are opposed, against only 29% in favor. A further 18% say they have no opinion, which underlines the sensitive nature of these issues.
