The article seeks to reflect upon the strategies pursued by the actors involved in the process of introducing Religious Education in public schools in the State of São Paulo, focusing the relationships instituted within the field under study. By analyzing the interpretation of the National Education Guidelines (Act n. 9.394/96) and the subsequent changes in its article 33 by Act n. 947/97, some issues in volving the selection of curricular contents as well as teachers' training and formation appear as hints to understand the positioning of the groups in volved. The participation on those groups, such as the Religious Education Council of São Paulo, the Association of Religious Teachers of São Paulo, the São Paulo State Education Secretariat and the State Education Council, allows understanding the constitution of this disputed field as consequence of the adoption of this discipline in public schools.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION; PUBLIC SCHOOL; CURRICULUM; SÃO PAULO