The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1868. THE ANGLICAN SYNOD.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume III, Issue 216, 11 September 1868, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1868. THE ANGLICAN SYNOD.

The Synod resumed its sittings yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, at the Provincial Hall. Several matters of routine were disposed of, and an important motion was then brought forward by the Rev. W. D. Lewis, to tbe effect that the clergy should press upon the local Education Committees the necessity of some religious instruction beiug imparted in their respective schools, as part of the daily course of instruction in such schools. This was seconded by the Rev C J. Halcombe, and the debate was then adjourned until 7 p.m., in order to allow the members of Synod to be present at the dedication of Bishop Suter's official residence. On Synod resumiug, the debate was taken up by the Rev. C O. Mules, followed by Messrs Barnicoat and Jennings, the Rev. R. T. Thorpe, the Yen. Archdeacon Butt, Mr Eearson, the Rev. S. Poole, Mr Lee, the R»vds. B. Harvey and G. H. Johnston, and by the Bishop, after which the proposer replied, and, with the permission of SS'yuod, withdrew the motion. The points of debate were chiefly these: — 1. The definition of the word 'controversy' as used in the Education Act ; 2. As to the degree of religious instruction, the mere reading of the Bible being obviously as much a matter of controversy as the full teaching of the Articles of Faith as put forth in the Prayer Book ; 3. Whether the Bible should be used as a text book, which was strongly opposed by the majority of Synod, as injurious and calculated to be productive of much evil. It was suggested that under the existing general abseuce of trained teachers, it was better that the system should be entirely secular, as tbe teachers could not with confidence be entrusted with the charge of religious instruction. An opinion was generally expressed that nothing ought to be attempted in this direction, save through the medium of the Local Committees, and although it was regretted by many members of the Synod that the motion was not pressed to a division, it nevertheless elicited much healthy discussion, which it is confidently expected will be productive of ultimate good. The report of a Select Committee appointed to frame a valedictory address to the Primate, was carried in course, and is to be submitted to the Synod to-day. Several important notices of motion were then given, and Syuod adjourned until 10.30 to-day.