The Intereuropean Commission on Church and School (ICCS) is a network, created in 1958, which aims to provide a framework for cooperation in monitoring and developing church and school issues in Europe. It brings together representatives and experts from research, practice and policy working on Religion and Education.
Issues of church and school are in the focus of ICCS. Relations differ due to contexts and history. Cooperation exists as well as clear separation. However churches concern exist for good education and good schooling.
Bringing together experts and staff of churches and universities responsible for church & school issues is a main concern of ICCS. Exchange with churches and political institutions is a main priority.
ICCS acts as an International Non Governmental Organization in the framework of the Council of Europe. This enables participation, exchange with other INGOs and own activies related to the issues of the Council.
The European Court of Human Rights held that Greece's system of exemptions of children from compulsory religious education classes in public schools violates freedom of education provisions and freedom of thought conscience and religion protected by the European...
Together with the IV, ICCS publishes regularly a common newsletter presenting current developments of the two organisations and of other CoGREE members as well as information about debates, events and developments concerning Church and School issues in Europe. Please...
The Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE) has established a new working group on education. The specific task of the group is to monitor and supervise the Religious Education syllabus of European schools that is currently under revision. European schools...
Churches and the people working for them, are essential to ICCS’ work. Involved in ICCS are Churches from a Protestant, Anglican or Orthodox background that mostly have official links with the World Council of Churches (WCC) or the Conference of European Churches (CEC).
ICCS is part of a wider community of organisations and associations concerned with religious education. In the Coordinating Group of Religious Education in Europe (CoGREE) they all work together.
Researchers are a very active part in the network. ICCS promotes exchange among them and common research projects about overarching topics relevant in various European countries. Within ICCS, researchers can connect to policy and practice levels.
ICCS has a network of national correspondents with one or two representatives from each country involved. The task of these correspondents is to promote the idea of European cooperation in the area of church/school relationships in their own country, to contribute to ICCS activities on a European level and also to maintain close links with other correspondents and with board members.
Please subscribe here for our newsletter published together with the International Association for Christian Education. Stay informed about debates, events and developments concerning Church and School issues in Europe.
You have become curious? Get into contact with us to learn more about Church and School issues around Europe and to get involved in the ICCS community.