MARKED DIFFERENCE OF OPINION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 17 November 1937, Page 9

MARKED DIFFERENCE OF OPINION

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY RESOLUTIONS I l>v I nqili I'ri'ni- A »‘in 1 1> «ii • AUCKLAND, 15th November. A marked difference of opinion on the policy that should be pursued by the Bible-in-Schools League regarding facilities for religious exercises and teaching 111 State schools appeared in a debate by the Presbyterian General Assembly to-night. The public questions committee submitted a recommendation commending tile progress made in five education districts in introducing daily religious exercises at the opening of nearly 300 schools. This was carried. A further recommendation adopted expressed strong disapproval of any attempt to interfere with the present prerogative of education boards and school committees to grant facilities for religious exercises. The following motion was also carried: "That the Bible-in-Schools League be urged (1) to arrange an open conference with the New Zealand Educational Institute and the Education department with a vn-.w to solving the Bible-in-schools question on the basis of a statutory and extended Nelson or voluntary system of religious instruction whereby the Christian churches of New Zealand shall accept the responsibility for the religious instruction of children in the public schools of our land: (2) to develop plans on the lines of the Victorian system for utilising the present system, with future extensions, to the full.” I