I am an atheist, and I believe that religion should not be in the classrooms; it has to be in the churches. In the classrooms, you have to form citizenship, not people with religious beliefs, that corresponds to the private sphere.

The quote "I am an atheist, and I believe that religion should not be in the classrooms; it has to be in the churches. In the classrooms, you have to form citizenship, not people with religious beliefs, that corresponds to the private sphere" by Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, reflects his stance on the separation of church and state, especially in the context of education. Sánchez, in this quote, argues that the role of public education is to shape individuals as active members of a pluralistic society rather than promoting any particular religion. He advocates for a secular education system where religious beliefs are kept separate from the curriculum to ensure inclusivity and the development of a broader, civic-minded identity.

Sánchez’s statement aligns with the principle of secularism, which maintains that religion and governmental or public affairs, including education, should remain distinct. He believes that schools should focus on fostering citizenship—which involves teaching values of civic responsibility, democracy, and respect for diverse opinions—rather than instilling specific religious doctrines. In his view, religious education is a private matter that belongs in churches or other religious institutions, not in public school settings where students from varied religious or non-religious backgrounds come together.

The quote also reflects Sánchez’s commitment to ensuring that public institutions, including schools, remain neutral in matters of faith. By separating religion from the classroom, he aims to create an inclusive environment where students are not influenced or divided by religious differences but are instead united through shared values of citizenship. This perspective upholds the idea that individuals should be free to practice their faith privately, without it shaping or influencing their education in a public space.

Ultimately, Sánchez’s quote emphasizes the importance of a secular educational system that prioritizes critical thinking, inclusivity, and the development of well-rounded, responsible citizens over the promotion of religious teachings. It reflects a broader debate about the role of religion in public life and the need for neutral spaces, particularly in institutions like schools, where the focus should be on fostering a sense of collective community and democratic values.