Church in the World

Morales sacks controversial minister

Bolivia

Education minister Félix Patzi, whose radical reform plans brought him into sharp conflict with the Catholic Church, was one of seven ministers replaced by President Evo Morales on the first anniversary of his administration last week, writes Colin Harding.

Mr Patzi advocated moving traditional religious instruction from its central place in the school curriculum, and replacing it with the teaching of Bolivia's indigenous cultures, beliefs and languages. His proposals, which he said were aimed at "decolonising" Bolivia's education system, provoked angry protests from both church leaders and parents, who complained that they were not consulted about the proposed changes. The minister responded in kind, saying that Catholics were lying when they claimed he was seeking to undermine the Church's position in Bolivian society (The Tablet, 24 June and 5 August 2006).

Mr Patzi's dismissal was one of several changes made by Mr Morales that suggest he has decided to adopt a more conciliatory attitude towards his opponents.