ZAGREB, CROATIA, July 17, 2003: Croatia’s education ministry has withdrawn its recommendation that teachers take yoga classes because the Roman Catholic Church accused it of trying to sneak Hinduism into schools. Deputy education minister Ivan Vavra said that instead, yoga classes will be organized strictly in teachers’ spare time and focused on exercises only, with no students to receive instruction.
On Monday, the Croatian Council of Bishops protested that the yoga tuition was an underhand attempt to introduce “Hinduist religious practices dressed up as exercises into Croatian schools.” They said it was “unacceptable to introduce into the schools topics that are in contradiction with the generally accepted system of values and the European cultural tradition.” The bishops stressed that they did not object to yoga outside the state school system. Vavra acknowledged that the move was triggered by the strong reaction of the church in this country of 4.5 million people, 80 per cent of whom consider themselves Catholics.
The Croatia-based group Yoga in Daily Life had qualified along with dozens of other non-governmental groups for state funds for its programme for teachers. It is to receive 50,000 kuna ($8,000) for six weekend trainings starting in September. The idea was to help teachers improve their physical condition and relax, said Vedrana Josipovic, the group’s leader.
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