Learning to live together: Religious education and religious symbols in Flanders and Quebec

Like most Western nations and regions, Flanders and Quebec are characterized by increasing religious diversity and secularization. Accordingly, 'learning to live together' is a main objective in their public education programmes. In spite of this similarity, both regions seem to interpret the concept of 'living together' in a different way and especially when it comes to wearing religious symbols and organizing religious education in governmental schools, there is a huge difference between the Flemish and Quebec policy. In this article, we will have a closer look at both policies and try to find out which one is to be preferred in their present educational contexts.