Baptist Opposition To State Aid

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30279, 4 November 1963, Page 14

Baptist Opposition To State Aid

.'New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, November 3. The Baptist Union assembly at Auckland on Saturday passed a motion expressing “deep concern” at the moves being taken to secure State aid for private schools.

A statement of policy which was adopted expressed the union’s “vigorous protest” on the following grounds:— “(1) Private schools have been established so that denominational religious instruction can be an integral part of the school curriculum. In these circumstances, State aid amounts to a subsidy paid to advance religious instruction. We hold strongly to the view that such propagation of religious dogmas at the taxpayer’s cost constitutes an improper use of public revenue. “(2) It is our conviction that State aid to private schools could lead to the fragmentation of the system of national education. Once it is conceded that independent schools have a right to call on the State for financial assistance then the door is wide open for all brands and descriptions of private schools to make their demands on the public revenue. Even antireligious groups could establish their schools and make their claims for State aid. Opening the door to all and sundry, which would be an inevitable result of granting State aid to independent schools, would shatter the

fabric of the State education system. “(3) We believe religious or other bodies who desire to ’contract out* of the State system of education and set up their own schools should do so at their own expense. The State is under no obligation whatsoever to subsidise the establishment or advancement of any private schools."