RELIGION IN SCHOOLS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23517, 4 June 1938, Page 5

RELIGION IN SCHOOLS

DAILY DEVOTIONAL EXERCISES TEACHERS DESIRE CONTINUANCE Whereas the New Zealand Educational Institute is against the holding of devotional exercises in schools, the Otago branch at. its annua] meeting yesterday decided that the present opportunity afforded teachers to conduct devotional exercises before the daily opening of school work should not be interfered with. The chairman introduced the subject by saying that the National Executive required from the branches some idea of their members’ attitude towards devotional exercises in schools. The branch’s committee did not feel inclined to take any action in the matter, but as the executive had asked three times for a motion it was decided to bring up the question at the annual meeting His own opinion was that the question was a too personal one to be discussed in open meeting. It was a vital question for many people, but he did not think that religion was a subject for public discussion. Therefore he would move that a postal ballot be taken among members to find out whether they were in favour or not of devotional exercises in schools.

Mr J. W. Armstrong, in seconding the motion, said it was the duty of the branch to give some indication of its attitude towards this important question. The Minister of Education would be calling a meeting of the opposing sides to the question. He said that he was not in favour of the question being discussed in open meeting, as it might do a lot of harm and stir up strife, with the result that it might have a bad effect on the negotiations taking place. “A nation may rise or fall by its moral code,” said Mr A. M. Davidson, “ and that is why there is need for devotional exercises in schools. In bringing in this moral code there need not be religious instruction, but there should be moral instruction. There are passages in the New Testament that are not controversial, and I think a conference of all churches should be held, when a text book of suitable passages could be drawn up. There are many beautiful passages in the Bible that should be published in the School Journal,” he added. Mr Davidson moved as an amendment—“ That this meeting realises the importance of moral instruction in the spiritual life of the child, and suggests that a conference of members of all churches and representatives of the teaching profession be held to draw up a suitable text book, the matter in which is acceptable to all those of the Christian faith.” The chairman pointed out that he could not accept the amendment, but asked Mr Davidson to submit it as a notice of motion later in the meeting. Mr J. Ironside said that he was against the motion in that he thought a postal ballot of the Otago district was unsatisfactory when the matter affected the whole of New Zealand. He considered it would be a good idea to get the New Zealand Institute to carry out a postal ballot on the subject. He said that at the present meeting was the best time to discuss the matter. Mr Ironside stated that he was of the firm opinion that the present devotional exercises should not be interfered with. There was a probability of interference, as the Minister had said that the present services and the Nelson system were against the regulations. “ The aims of these devotional exercises,” Mr Ironside continued, “ are numerous.” The first was character building and the full and harmonious development of the whole personality of the child. The services created a beneficial atmosphere in the school. Secondly, the devotional exercises created the habit of worship and meant a daily recognition of God. Thirdly, the services inculcated a spirit of reverence and a , distinct atmosphere that was a beneficial influence in the school. In conclusion, the speaker said that it was a personal matter for each teacher, and they should be allowed to follow their own convictions in the matter. Mr Ironside then moved, as an amendment—“ That this annual meeting of the Otago Branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute is of the opinion that the opportunity afforded by the boards, with the concurrence of the school committees, to conduct devotional exercises in schools for five minutes before the daily opening should not be interfered with.” Mr A. Farrant seconded the amendment, which was carried by a substantial majority.