A BIG PROGRAMME

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 4, 5 July 1922, Page 2

A BIG PROGRAMME

COUNCIL OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IMPORTANT DECISIONS OF COMBINED CONFERENCE. Brief reference to the suggested formation of a, New Zealand Council of Religious Education was made last night at Iho Mayoral reception to Mr. W. C. Pearee, associate secretary of the World's Sunday School Association. Mr. Pearee attended a conference held at Christchurch, and gave valuable advice in tho decisions arrived at. Further particu-, lars of the conference were supplied to a Post reporter to-day by one of the local delegates. Representatives of denominational youth work organisations and Sunday school unions attended, there being present delegates from the Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, and Congregational Churches, the Church of Christ, and the Sunday School Unions of Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago. Mr. J. W.. Court, president of the Auckland S.S.U., occupied the chair. It was decided to set up a New Zealand Council of Religious Education to comprise eighteen members, to be appointed by the youth work departments of the churches, and twelve members by .tho Snnda.y school unions. The following is a suggested platform, which was drawn up to be submitted to a conference of members appointed to the council to be held in Wellington about September next:— (1) The securing of the more efficient moral and religious education of -tho childhood and youth of this' Dominion. (2) The admission of New Zealand as a sbction of the World's Sunday School Association. (3) The formation of national and pro- - vimrial youth religious work conventions. (i) To arrange the visits of oversea experts as opportunities occur. (5) To survey the national field in tho, Sunday school interests. (6) To study tho literature and laseoti course problems in Now Zealand. (7) To consult regarding the standard--isation and efficiency of (a) Sunday schools, and (b) teacher training. (8) To attach educationists in sympathy with otir work for leadership training. (9) To enlist community support for the.'general objective of the council. (10) To explore the possibilities of Sunday school enterprise in the mission' field in co-ordination with Australia. (11) To make representations to the Government on local authorities or questions affecting the moral and religious life of the young. (12) Tho appointment of a general secretary to organise the activities of the council.