BIBLE READING IN SCHOOLS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3867, 24 April 1928, Page 69

BIBLE READING IN SCHOOLS.

AIMS OF LEAGUE URGED. NELSON SYSTEM INSUFFICIENT. WELLINGTON. April 19. “While we cannot but- deeply regret the side-tracking of the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill in the recent session of Parliament and the endeavour to sub stitute what is known as the Nelson system for the -provisions of the Bill,” said the Primate of New Zealand (Archbishop Averill) in his address to general synod to-day, I hope this synod will reaffirm its allegiance to the platform of the Bible in State Schools League and so strengthen the bond of union between ourseh'za and the other religious bodies, who, with one heart and mind, are en deavouring to supply what we believe to, be lacking in onr national system of education. Although the passing of this Bill would not interfere with the operation cr the Nelson system in schools where it is being worked satisfactorily, yet the Nelson system cannot possibly be accepted as a substitute' for the scheme promoted by the Bible in State Schools League. As the Bishop of Nelson has rightly pointed out, the Nelson system, if permitted by the school committees, means- the reading of the Bible outside school hours, whereas the first principle of the scheme which we advocate is prayer and Bible reading within school hours. I have nothing but sympathy with those who are endeavouring to give to our children some knowledge of the Bible under the Nelson system ; but the operation of the system must naturally be so limited as to be of little use to the great majority of the children attend ing our State schools. “There are approximately 200,000 children attending our primary State schools and not more than 25,000 of these are receiving* religious teaching. Under the Nelson system we should still need our Sunday schools and Bible classes and confirmation instruction, etc.; but would thev not be much -more effective if some foundation had been laid in the minds of the children by means of the Bible teaching in the day schools. With the sympathy of the Minister of Education and the strong approval of the Director of Educatio/i, as expressed in his evidence before the Education Committee of the House of Representatives on October 20. 1927,” said his Lordship in conclusion, “we must eventually succeed if only we keep a united front and are convinced of the justice and righteousness of our cause.” • ■ •