A Win for Religious Instruction in Montana

May 12, 2025—Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has signed a law granting students across the state one hour of “released time” per week for off-campus religious instruction, starting July 1. While many states allow local discretion, Montana’s law ensures access statewide—and uniquely, allows for the possibility of academic credit.

The legislation signals that religious formation is not mere “indoctrination,” but legitimate education. At a time when school schedules overflow and weekends are often co-opted by sports and enrichment, the law affirms that faith deserves space in the public rhythm of life.

Critics worry about state entanglement—particularly given concerns seen in recent religious charter school cases. But Montana’s law mirrors constitutional “released time” models upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court since the 1950s, provided instruction occurs off school grounds.

Students who opt out of the instruction stay in class and make up missed work, pre-empting critics who may accuse the state of coercing students into religious instruction. It does, however, mark a cultural shift. For decades, religious instruction has been squeezed to the margins—treated as a private afterthought, not a public good.

Montana’s move is a reminder: Free exercise of religion means more than private belief; it demands social space.

UOJ-Bulgaria has previously reported on Patriarch Daniel's efforts to establish religious instruction in Bulgarian schools

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