“GODLESS EDUCATION.”

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 20 October 1924, Page 5

“GODLESS EDUCATION.”

THE BIBLE BANNED. GREATER. ACTIVITY URGED. “That this Synod, being persuaded that the provisions of the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill are desired by the majority of the citizens of this Dominion, urges Christian people to make a united effort to hasten the enactment of such a measure.” This resolution was carried unanimously ai the Auckland Anglican Diocesan Synod last week. In proposing the resolution. Canon Percival James deplored the fact that the greatest book of literature —the Holy Bible —was banned from State schools. * Education that was free and compulsory could not remain secular. The word “secular” was another word for “godless-” “We are going to give hack to both children and teachers that of which they have too long been defrauded.” The secularists were in a very small minority—if a noisy minority—continued Canon James. He pointed out that only 4 or 5 per cent, of the total number of children in the State schools were Roman Catholics, so that opposition from that quarter was not warranted. There was enormous good, will behind the Bill, hut there was too much apathy. If the clergy went out and got to work, the Bill would become law in the next Parliament. A. voice : Next session P Canon James: No, next Parliament He urged that church people should not ’•eturn men to Parliament who stood for secular, or godless, education.