BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Southland Times, Issue 17599, 11 March 1914, Page 6

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

AV.C.T.U. BKSOLUTIOXH. (Per United Press Association.) OISBORXB, March JO, Tiie question of Bible teaching: in State schools was before the W.C.T.U. in convention and led to an animated discussion which lasted for about an hour and a half. Though the delegates wore unanimously in favour of the principle it. was apparent that there was a diversity of opinion as to the best methods to he employed and Mrs Harrison. Bee Cowic moved the following resolution—"That wc recognise the need of drawing together all the forces that make for righteousness in this great year of battle, and the vast importance of civility and love and goodly -concord in our ranks at all times: wo recognise also that all our members arc unanimous in desiring that Bible teaching shall be given to Christ's little ones everywhere. the only difference of opinion being the method of getting such teaching into the schools. The last year has given time to the unions to thoroughly investigate every possible method of securing Bible teachiirg and the majority of our branches have voted strongly in favour of the Blblo-in-Schools League's system as being the one practical method. This cbnvention, decides to indorse the opinion of fifty or more branches that before and since our last convention have vnu?d_for the Bible-in-State Schools League platform. This is in harmony with the resolutions passed and rc-aCfirmcd by Hie Christchurch gathering uf large denominations a.s well as by some smaller bodies, and will make us one harmonious whole of Christian citizens, demanding from our representatives the birthright of our children.” Dr Blizabcth Gunn seconded the motion. Miss Henderson moved the following amendment, which was seconded by Airs McTsaac—“That .this convention re-af-lirms its advocacy of Bible leaching in State schools. It recognises that amongst its members and brandies there are differences of opinion as to the best methods of carrying out this principal, and being convinced (bat no action should bo taken by the convention which would impair the spirit of unity which lias hitherto marked the work of the 'W.C.T.U. for so many years, it is of opinion that each branch and each member should he left free to advocate their particular system of Bible leaching which appeals slron gl y to their consciences.” The amendment was thou put as the motion anil carried on voices. ‘•.So it goes out to the world.” said Mrs Leo Cowic, "that wo tiro solid for Bible in schools.” (Applause.)