THE NEW BIBLE IN STATE SCHOOLS MOVEMENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11296, 23 August 1922, Page 2

THE NEW BIBLE IN STATE SCHOOLS MOVEMENT.

(To the Editor "N.Z. Times.”) Sir,—A request for Bible teaching in State schools has just been forwarded to the Government. The matter ie of so much importance that I crave your permission to voice the opinion of many of us who are unable to join in the movement. I shall be briefer if I summarise my points:—(l) The recommendations made are contrary to the request of our General Synod, held in Auckland. Synod asked for two things: (a) That a solution should be found acceptable to all parties. Synod knew that some form of “right of entry” was essential to a satisfactory solution of ;he problem of religious education, and the words "acceptable to all parties” were put in because of it. Under the present proposals what teaching there is going to be is altogether in the hands of the teachers. The teachers are to give simple explanations. The Church’s book is to he taught apart from her living voice. This can never he acceptable to many of the keenest of the Church’s workers amongst her children. (2) General Synod resolved never again to approach Parliament without having first taken the State school teachers into consultation. This has been overlooked, and I take it a further wrong done to our New Zealand teachers. (3) If Parliament accepts the present proposals they will be supporting one particular kind of religion; consequently, in fairness, they will not be able to refuse "State aid” to the schools of those who cannot conscientiously use the religion provided. Is the Government prepared to support such private schools? (4) There is a conscience clause for the teachers. This is good on paper. But in practice it will be throwring a considerable onus on each individual teacher. J. RUSSELL WILPORD, President of Educational Association of the Love of God. Christchuroh, August 19th.