BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 182, 29 April 1922, Page 3

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

ACTING-PRIMATE’S VIEW ORIGINAL DEMAND SHOULD BE PRESSED A COMPROMISE NOT ACCEPTABLE The Aoting-Primate declared at the opening session of the General Synod in Auckland that he was not prepared to accept a Scripture text book as a substitute for the Bible in the State schools. He thought that the Anglican Church should still demand the right of entry Into the schools. “ITio opinions which I express may very likely be unacceptable and must be taken for what they are worth,” said the Bishop when referring to the Bible-in-schools question. “The Bible-in-State-Schools League was formed, as you know, for the purpose of providing the elements of religious instruction for the children of the Dominion on the lines of what is known as tha New South Wales Act. A great and unsuccessful effort was made to obtain a referendum. Soon after the outbreak of the war a considerable sum of the funds in hand was handed over for the relief of the wounded, the offices were closed, and nothing more was done.

“After the war the league appeared to consist of a president, secretary, and treasurer, an executive, and a sum of about £6OO. A meeting of the executive was called, and it was decided to refer tho question of the future policy of tho league to the authorities of the churches included in it. Answers have been received from many of them, some of which I must read; our <>wn awaits, and has long awaited, the session of General Synod. The answer of the Presbyterian General Assembly is as followsT. That the executive of the Bible-in-Schools League bo informed that the assembly no longer adheres to the platform of the league. 2. That the assembly Affirms the policy of securing the use of a Scripture text book, approved or prepared by the Edeucation Department, to be used in all schools tor imparting knowledge of the text of Scripture without comment, a conscience clause being allowed for both teachers and parents. 3. That ministers be urged to take advantage of the Nelson system. 4. That other parties interested be approached with a view to securing the presenting a petition to Parliament in accordance with resolution 2.’

“The resolutions of the Methodist Conference are somewhat lengthy, but amount to this: T. An affirmation of tho necessity of including religious instruction in tho national system of education. 2. A recommendation to the Bible-in-Schools League to eliminate the demand for right of entry from its .- platform. 3. A suggestion That the Education Department, collaborating with representatives of the churches, provide a Scripture lesson book in wnich the essentials of the Christian faith are given place. 4. Only simple comment on the lessons to be given, and a conscience clause for teachers and parents to be provided.’ “You will 'see from this that the league is broken up. If revived, it will be on other lines, with a very different scheme of instruction. What answer will you make? In three successive synods we affirmed the principles of the league, and held fast to the definite opinion that the provisions of the New South Wales Act would enable the Christian churches to bring the Gospel of our Lord within the reach of the children trained in our State schools. If- we had thought that text book was sufficient, with little or no comment, why did we demand right of entry? Have wo changed our minds, and do we think that a text book drawn up by the Education Department is sufficient for the religious instruction of our children ? If not, are wo as the General Synod of this province to ask for what we believe to be necessary, or to ask for what we think we can get? “The religious instruction given by the London School Board is much more ample than this. It is often said that what can be done by the London School Board can be done here. I do not think so. The circumstances are entirely different. Teachers in England, trained in her schools, colleges, and universities, have not been brought up from infancy under a system of education wholly secular. My answer to tlie inquiry of the executive would be this: We maintain the principles in support of which we leagued together, and we are not prepared to abandon our claim for right of entry. “It is a real pain to me that I cannot agree with my brethren of other churches, nor with those of my own communion who will support them. I am prepared to grant that the use of a Scripture text book, with the recital of the Lord’s Prayer, will be an advance upon the present system, sufficient perhaps to salve the national conscience, and block the way to any genuine means of religious instruction. If that is all the churches want, they are certainly content with very little. But the temper of the people is changing. Religious instruction will bo given and given effectively. The people themselves will demand it. “Meanwhile, we must do the best we can. We miir.t build and maintain our schools, train our teachers and scholars, mpke our Sunday schools effective, our Bible classes vigorous and strong, and use to tho utmost every facility afforded to us of teaching in the State schools. I‘am delighted to hear of the formation of a Bible Class Union, and wish it God-speed.” SUBJECT BEFORE SENATES

RECEIVES MOTION AND GOES INTO COMMITTEE. BY TBLEGRAFH-PRESS ASSOCIATION. Auckland, April 28. The question of the Bible in schools was introduced into Synod by Canon P. E. James, who moved that Synod, being persuaded that the greater .part of the citizens of the Dominion regard the lack of provision of religious instruction in State schools as a grievous Ibss to the children and to the community, calls for such amendment of the Education Act that Bible instruction according to the London County Council or other agreed syllabus shall be given in State schools during ordinary school hours by school teachers, subject to the conscientious objections of parents or teachers to this instruction being always respected. and that there be no statutory “right of entry” to ministers of religion or others to give religious teaching in schools where the proposed provision is mdde. The mover said a change with respect to the early training of children had comp over the temper of the people, as evidenced by the support being given to the Young Citizens’ League and the desire for change. Tie thought they could have had the Bible in the schools long ago if the ordinary person could have been convinced it meant “Bible in school and not “pastor in school. He thought “right of entry” was such a yjor thing that it was not worth bothering about, and he reminded Synod that if “right of entry” were granted all demonstrations and

“fancy” religions would have the right to enter schools, and it would be utterly wrong to parade their denominational differences before the children. This could only make for sectarian friction. He felt that any objection to his proposed scheme would not come from the teachers, of whom tlie Dominion had a right to be proud. Teaching was an art. and so few ministers were qualified in that direction : that Bible instruction so given would prove so unintelligent, unattractive, and poor that it would suffer in comparison with such subjects as geography or history. The syllabus of the London Countv Council provided for the reading of portion of the Scriptures, which was afterwards explained ; while provision was also made for the singing of a hymn. Certainly the syllabus was not enough, and other denominations would also think so: but it provided a good solid foundation, and every church must build its own superstructure upon it The motion was seconded by Mr. N. E. Burton. *who stated that “right of entry” was opposed by the. teachers. He quoted from communications which showed that the system, proposed by Canon James was working very successfully in London and had gone a long way towards improving the tone of the schools. No system of education was complete, that could not find room for Religion. At this stage Synod went into committee. _________