CHURCH SCHOOLS

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26605, 15 December 1951, Page 3

CHURCH SCHOOLS

Sir, —The “hard-earned taxpayers' money" referred to by “No Humbug" includes the taxes paid by those whose children use the church schools. Yet these parents, in addition to paying taxes to support State schools, must find money to buy land, build schools and support teachers for their church schools, because their consciences oblige them to provide Christian education for their children. They have saved people like "No Humbug” millions of pounds in the course of years by providing and maintaining their schools. Is it not time they received something back for all they have expended?—Yours, etc., , JUSTICE. December 14, 1951.

Sir,—Probably a knowledge of history supports Mr Francis in his dignified views on this subject, u’hile "No Humbug” is also aware of the dangers. The underlying object of those advocating State aid to church schools is ultimate ecclesiastical rule; and they see in our present urgent need to combat Communism, an excellent opportunity to further their own ends. Miss Crosher overlooks this basic point and apparently forgets the lessons of history. An objective study of the great religions would appear necessary to a full education: but 4n advocating comrulsory “religious education.” Jas. Hill presumably means that each church should be compelled to teach its own version of religion, or its own version of Christianity only. Such teaching has been for centuries, and still is. the greatest single cause of dissension and disunity of the world's people. Let the churches have their schools, but don’t ask us to contribute to our own undoing.—Yours, etc.. EQUTTUS. December 14, 1951.