BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 133, 8 June 1931, Page 10

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

THE NEW BILL

DEPUTATION TO PRESBY-

TERIAN ASSEMBLY

CH.U.KCHES' POSJTIOX

A deputation represent ing tlic Dominion Executive of the Bible in Schools League waited on the General Assembly iof the Presbyterian Church this afternoon with reference to the new Bill to bo introduced in Parliament. The members of the deputation were the Revs. CV.ilon P. James, T. E. Richards, D. Calder, and K. 0. Blamircs, and Miss M. M'Lcan, M.A. Canon James, representing ' also the Wellington branch of the Bible in Schools League, expressed appreciation oi! the courtesies extended by ~ the Assembly. All of them would approve the general aim of the league, to secure, the right for every parent who so desired to have his children given a general knowledge of the Bible in a reverent atmosphere in the course of their school education. They were specially considering the method by which this could be attained. A conference of representatives officially appointed by their respective churches had met last year to consider fresh proposals made by the league. It should bo understood that the league's policy was to (ake no important stc[> without seeking the counsel and cooperation of the churches in the league, and accordingly they were present seeking from the "Presbyterian Assembly the. endorsement of the policy developed since the previous Assembly met THE CATHOLIC CHUKCH. The Rev. 10. 0. Blamires, 'Dominion secretary of the league, said that the conference of representatives of churches had considered two special matters. The first was the attitude of the Human Catholic Hierarchy to the question of Bible in schools. Negotiations were opened with tho Roman Catholic Bishops, resulting eventually in complete agreement between tho negotiating parties. Under the terms of the agreement, these Bishops promised to withdraw opposition to any measure proposed, provided the consciences of the Roman Catholic teachers and puj)ils and of all others concerned were adequately protected, and that if the introduction of Biblical instruction involved any additional expenditure tho Roman Catholics should not be responsible for bearing any portion of the additional expenditure so incurred. They would not participate, and should not be expected to pay. These conditions were approved and were embodied in tho Enabling Bill. Mr. Blamires expressed appreciation of tho frank courtesy of Archbishop O'Shca, who—in the speaker's personal opinion—had evidently approved the union of religion against materialism and secularism. He said the agreement was made irrespective altogether of the question of State aid, concerning which there had been no change of conviction whatever. The Archbishop had clearly indicated that the Catholic claim was a matter of conviction, and they had not expected any surrender of conviction. Neither had thcro been change of attitude or conviction on tho part of the league. Tho league, as a league, does not take any part in the State aid controversy, because it-was outsido its special province, but the agreement, being concluded altogether apart from the question of State aid, left that question where it was before, and every individual in the league was free to express any view, for or against, that harmonised with his personal conviction. SCOPE OF NEW BILL. The Rev. Mr. Blamires said tho second matter dealt with by tho conference was the new Enabling Bill. It did not bury the Religious Exercises Bill, but incorporated it in the now Bill, which represented i advance in. line with educational criticism, and was believed to be more in harmony with accepted educational principles. .The new Bill proposed to give teachers the right voluntarily to participate in giving religious instruction on- general lines. Nothing in the nature of proselytism would be permitted, and no religious creed, catechism, or formulary allowed in the school in school hours.

While such teaching would bo normal, it was voluntary, and the easiest exemption would bo secured by simple notification, automatically obtaining exemption from participation. Where teachers' exemptions rendered it necessary, volunteer teachers from outside the school staff would be appointed to fill the gaps. A general conscience clause, and the full right to continue the Nelson system, if preferred, in lieu of the measures proposed, were provided. Nothing in tho new Bill would interfere with the initiation of the Nelson system, as at present arranged by law, if such was profored. The league was not ugainst tho Nelson system; most of- thu members of the executive hud used the opportunities of the.Nelson system for many years, but it failed to meet tho requirements of a Dominion wide scheme; such could not be arranged without co-operation between ministers and teachers, who were prepared voluntarily to assist. One thousand five hundred one-teacher schools in country places could not bo fully reached under present conditions. In closing, it was stated, that the- Anglican General Synod, tho Methodist Conference, tho Congregational Union, the. Salvation Army, and the Lutherans had approved the new proposals, the Baptist auxiliaries were considering them, and to date showed a majority in favour, and tho deputation sought the endorsement of the Assembly for tlje league's action. THE NELSON SYSTEM. The Bey. R. Inglis asked if provision had been made in the Bill for the removal of the obnoxious restrictions which made it difficult to introduce the Nelson system. Tho Rev. Mr. Blamires replied that lie understood that all the education boards at present were prepared to give facilities, but the league had not dealt with the matter of school committees' powers. It was considered outside the league's present action. The Ray. W. L. Marsh pointed out that .provision was made in the Bill for the appointment of volunteer teachers from outside the school staff, and suggested that it should bo mado obligatory instead of permissive. . The Rev. Mr. Blamires replied that this matter was being considered. FINANCIAL PROVISIONS. Tho Rev. Dr. J. Gibb mentioned the financial provisions of tho Bill. The Rev. Mr. Blamires replied that section 11 provided that if any additional public expenditure was involved tli c Roman Catholic taxpayers by agreement should bo freed from responsibility. It had been questioned whether in this form a private member's Bill could be passed through Parliament, as the suggestion was that it might involve taxation. They did not desire to depart from the wording of the clause unless it was necessary, because in that form it issued from tho Roman Catholic negotiations, but it might meet the case il1 a clause were inserted stating definitely that no additional State expenditure could be involved, and for that provision ho believed the league executive would be prepared.

The Moderator thanked the deputation on the motion of the Rev. Dr. Merrington, and promised full and sympathetic consideration by. the Assembly,