BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 664, 24 March 1923, Page 5

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

. PROPOSED INSTRUCTION. DEBATED BY TEACHERS. A meeting of school teachers was held at the Technical School to-day, when various questions of interest to the teaching profession were dealt with. Mr L. F. de Berry, headmaster of Central School, presided over a good attendance. Following an address by Mr Rod Ross on the 'subject of Esperanto, for which he was accorded a vote of thanks, the meeting discussed the question of Biblo teaching in schools, which; arose out of correspondence received relating- to recent negotiations with the New Zealand Educational Institute on the subject. The N.Z.E.I. executive had had submitted to it by a conference of religious .denominations a scheme for the introduction of Bible instruction in State Schools, and in view of the importance of tho question, it -was the wish cf the executive that the fullest consideration be given to it, and that the opinions of branches be forwarded to the institute's office by the end of the present month.

The conference of representatives of religious denominations which was held in Wellington, had, it was stated, passed the following resolution:—"That this conference proposes as a united platform for securing Bible instruction in State schools: (1) That a text-book be prepared by the representatives of the Christian churches, for approval by the Education Department, including (a) passages of Scripture readings, (b) a selection of hymns. (2) That this textbook be used in the State schools for Scripture lessons to be given by teachers, with simple explanations, for fifteen minutes every day. and to be opened with the recital of the Lord's Prayer. (3) That a conscience clause be allowed for teachers unwilling to give religious instruction _to pupils; and also for parents not desiring their children to attend such instruction. (4) In the event of any teacher availing him or herself of the conscience clause, the school committee shall make suitable arrangements for conducting the Scripture lessons." CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS.

The chairman, having outlined the nature of the correspondence, said that some years back, it would be remembered, a movement developed in favour of a referendum on the question, but Parliament refused to sanction it, and there the matter had ended. Since then, however, the war had taken place, opinions had altered to some extent, and the churches had arrived at some coordinated policy. The rock on which the movement seemed to break on the previous occasion was the right of access of the clergv. It was now desirable that the question 'he given the fullest andjuost earnest discussion. Mr A. W. Thompson then moved that the discussion be held in committee. This was seconded and carried.