RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22251, 16 November 1937, Page 3

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION

(mess issociATioK telegeam.)

AUCKLAND, November 15

A marked difference of opinion on the policy that should be pursued by the Bible-in-Schools League on the facilities for religious exercises and teaching in State schools appeared in the debate by the Presbyterian General Assembly to-night. The public questions committee submitted a recommendation commending the progress made in five education districts in introducing daily religious exercises at the opening of nearly 300 schools. This was carried. A further recommendation was adopted expressing strong disapproval of any attempt to interfere with the present prerogative of education boards and school committees to grant facilities for religious exercises. The following motion was also carried: "That the Bible-in-Schools League be urged first to arrange for an open conference with the New Zealand Educational Institute and Education DeDartment with a view to solving the Bible-in-Schools question on a basis of a statutory and extended Nelson or voluntary system of religious instruction whereby the Christian churches of New Zealand shall accept the responsibility for the religious instruction of the children in the public schools of our land; second, to develop plans on the lines of the Victorian system for utilising the present system with future extensions to the full."