The Greek government has backed down from its initial harsh stance regarding the teaching of the new religious studies book in schools, after a two-hour meeting between PM Alexis Tsipras and the head of the Greek Church, Ieronymos, Wednesday, resulted in the two sides finding common grounds of understanding on the matter. Relations between the Church and the state had been strained, largely due to the public, and often heated, opinions exchanged between Education Minister Nikos Filis and church officials on the teaching material introduced for the new school year. The meeting, which took place at the request of Ieronymos and was also attended by Defence Minister Panos Kammenos, who had consistently sided with the Church on the matter, produced a compromise, as Tsipras accepted Ieronymos’s position on the book, which will not be taught until the final changes are agreed on, while the Church leader accepted the overall education curriculum for this year. Upon exiting the PM’s office Ieronymos said the misunderstandings had been dispelled, adding that a dialogue on the education curriculum would commence. He said the religious studies would continue to be taught by using the old books. Filis, who was also present at the meeting, said there was a productive and pleasant dialogue stressing the Ministry was always open to talking on such matters. ‘The church’s opinion will be heard again’, he said. ‘We don’t hold a dogmatic view, we want a dialogue on all issues’, Filis stressed. Pundits believe that both the PM and the head of the Greek church were willing to reach a compromise, as neither saw it in their interest to breach their ties by remaining entrenched in their positions. On his part, Ieronymos wanted to retain positive relations with Tsipras in order to ensure future talks could be held in good faith, while the PM wanted to avoid clashing with the church at a time when his government had so many fronts open.