Romanian Orthodox Church welcomes ruling to allow icons in schools

© AP
2008-06-13 17:25:36 -
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) - The Romanian Orthodox Church has welcomed the decision of the country's top court to allow religious icons to remain in schools.The Supreme Court on Thursday overturned a 2007 appeal court ruling that icons should be removed from schools because they discriminated against atheists and people of other religions.

Around 80 percent of Romanians are Christian Orthodox and icons are commonly seen in homes, buildings and even cars. The church has enjoyed a revival after communism.

Orthodox Church spokesman Constantin Stoica said Friday the decision showed that the community, not state institutions, should decide what religious symbols are allowed in public spaces.

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