Freedom of worship for students from other faiths is under threat because of compulsory practices placed on them in many religious schools, according to the Korea Institute for Religious Freedom. The institute’s claim was made during a symposium called “Youth’s Religious Freedom in Schools” on Monday in Seoul. According to Lim Ji-bong, a law professor at the Jesuit-run Sogang University, religious education or activities in religious schools are usually compulsory, thereby deepening a conflict between students and school authorities. School authorities should not take away religious freedoms or impose another religion on students, Lim said, citing the case of Gang Eui-suck In 2004, Gang, then a high-school student, began a hunger strike to force his Protestant-run school to stop making him attend mandatory chapel services. Last year, the Supreme Court finally decided in favor of Gang, ruling that religious freedom in schools should be guaranteed. Despite this ruling, the suppression of religious freedom in religious schools has not decreased, according to Park Gwang-eo, an institute official. Another speaker, Hur Hyeong-bum, a teacher at a Protestant-run school, said it is now time to draw guidelines to protect students. Related reports Student Gains ´Religious Freedom´ After 46-Day Fast
