Educação e fé na periferia: análise da implementação do Ensino Religioso em Santa Cruz no Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This study analyzes the challenges and particularities of implementing Religious Education in public schools in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, located in the western zone of Rio de Janeiro. Constitutionally guaranteed, this subject plays an essential role in the integral development of students by promoting respect for differences, interreligious dialogue, and the understanding of cultural and spiritual diversity within Brazilian society. However, the effective implementation of Religious Education faces significant obstacles, such as the lack of qualified teachers, inadequate teaching materials, and the absence of a standardized curriculum that embraces religious plurality without compromising the secular nature of the State. In peripheral contexts like Santa Cruz, these challenges are intensified by precarious educational infrastructure and the lack of specific public policies for the area. This research seeks to understand the factors limiting the availability and quality of Religious Education, identifying gaps in teacher training and in the adoption of non-confessional teaching approaches. The motivation for this study arises from the author’s own experience as a public school teacher, witnessing the effects of the absence of Religious Education on students’ development. Ultimately, the study aims to provide a detailed diagnosis of the local situation and offer recommendations to strengthen pluralistic and ethical education in public schools. Thus, it seeks to contribute to the appreciation of Religious Education as an instrument for citizenship, respect for diversity, and the construction of a more inclusive and aware society.