BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Evening Star, Issue 21878, 15 November 1934, Page 14

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

SUPPORT FOR THE LEAGUE PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY'S ATTITUDE Dealing with llie question of religious teaching in schools, the Public Questions Committee of the Presbyterian General Assembly recommended at last night’s session that the Assembly reaffirm the church’s support of the Bible-in-Schools League and adopts the statement of principle in the report, as the church’s aim in connection with religious instruction in State schools. The section of the report in question was as follows:—“The historic testimony of our church is that the giving of religious instruction is not a function of the State, but of the Christian Church, at present unhappily embodied in separate denominations. AVe hold that it is the function of a well-ordered State, even where there is no established church, to provide a church with reasonable facilities for such instruction within the educational system by approved instructors. Such facilities we feel that the church should expect from the State as a right for the children of Christian parents who are law-abiding citizens within its border's. The State which fails to provide such facilities virtually establishes secularism and places all Christian citizens under a serious and oppressive disability. At the same time, we are emphatic in holding that parents who desire an education Without any element of religious instruction for their children must be given equal consideration in the framing of a national system of education, and we note with satisfaction the provision the league has made for securing this. But a compulsory system of education without any religions teaching in it seems to us to be a system so distorted that the church must protest against its imposition on our children by any State authority.” . Speaking in support of this pronouncement the llev. F. H. AVilkinson explained that a. change had taken place in the wording of the Bible-in-Schools Bill before the House of Representatives. Under the former wording it was necessary for a teacher who did not wish to give instruction to “ contract out,”-or in other words to take the initiative in the matter. The change in the present Bill was directed to lead teachers wishing to give the instruction to “ contract in,” so that any teacher having the cause of Christ at heart would have full opportunity to give religious instruction when he clashed. The speaker said they looked forward to obtaining eventually some modification of the present situation which would be nearer to what was desired. The proposed change, if effected, would be an undoubted boon, not only to tho church, but to the schools also, for there should be a larger measure of Christian instruction of a winsome character.

On this subject the Presbytery of Mataura forwarded an overture urging the General Assembly, through its Pub lie Questions Committee and the Bible-in-Schools League, to frame a Bill for religious observances in public schools, this to mean Bible reading with simple verbal explanations, hymns, and the repetition of the Lord’s. Prayer. Speaking in support of the overture, the Rev. R. D. M'Ewan (Edendale) asked why so many Bills relating to religious instruction in schools were rejected by Parliament. The present one also would be rejected with contempt. Mr Wilkinson: Not with contempt.

Continuing, Mr M'Bwan said the position was due to the passive resistance of nearly 3,000 teachers in the country who could not understand what “ religious instruction ” meant. The speaker said this could be understood when the type of instruction given in schools under tiie Nelson system was considered. Some of the religious sensibilities and beliefs of the children and their parents were bound to be offended. Mr M'Ewan added that the church had neglected all along the body with which it shoiild have been working hand in glove. The Rev. G. D. Falconer, of Wyndham, said that he was not an opponent of the Bible in schools, but after years of experience in the schools he had come to ,some definite conclusions. He supported the overture in its general spirit, but he objected, to any reference in the Bill to teachers. The ministers should be given the right to teach the Bible- in schools, and they should have the right to choose such helpers as they needed from the teachers. The Bill should allow each denomination to give instruction to its own children. He moved that the overture be sent on to Presbyteries for consideration and report; replies to he sent to the Public Questions Committee not later than June 30. . Mr M‘Ewan seconded the motion. He said that the teachers could not give two hours out of the twenty-five to religious instruction. The Rev. John Paterson (Wanganui) moved that the overture be dec-lined, and this was supported by Mr Wilkinson, who drew attention to the iact that the Bill was now before the House. ... The Rev. W. Trotter said that ho must support Mr Paterson at this stage, but he hoped that the piesent Bill would not go through. There would then be an opportunity to frame a thoroughly worthy Bill. The amendment was carried, and the overture was fallen from. Mr Wilkinson then moved that the Assembly reaffirm its support of the Bible-in-Schools League, and this was carried.