This paper presents the situation of religious education in public schools in five countries. It derives from the author's participation in a conference promoted by the Association Francophone d'Education Comparée (Sèvres, France, October 2005). Drawing on the lectures delivered at the conference and on keynote speakers' bibliographies, it offers an overview of the international situation of the subject and discusses some unexpected similarities and contrasts.
Religious education; Laicization; Comparative education; Educational policy