BRITISH METHODS OP BIBLE INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXV, Issue 5637, 17 June 1914, Page 4

BRITISH METHODS OP BIBLE INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.

To the Editor. Sir , The following concerning Bible instruction in the schools of Great Britain is timely:—ln London County Council schools Bible instruction is regularly given. A syllabus of Scripture lessons is provided. In Birmingham, the original home of purely secular instruction, the Bible was for some years excluded by the board from their schools, but has since been re-intro-duced and is now read daily. The school boards in Scotland are empowered to provide religious Instruction for the pupils in attendance at the public schools, but parents are entitled to withdraw their children from such instruction if they so desire. Religious instruction of some kind is universal in Scottish public schools at present.. The Edinburgh School Board provides a syllabus of Scripture lessons; no books are used except tho Bible and the Shorter Catechism. All classes are examined by an inspector. There is no conscience clause for teachers, but there is for scholars. Religious instruction has always been given in Edinburgh schools, and no difficulty has been experienced in connection therewith. In Glasgow Board schools religious instruction is given daily. The board provides the syllabus; there is a conscience clause for scholars. The Ten Commandments and precepts in the Book of Proverbs, etc., are committed to memory. In Ireland the patrons and managers of ail national schools have the right to permit the Holy Scriptures, either in the Authorised or Douay version, to be read at the time set apart for religious instruction. A tablet containing the Ten Commandments is provided for each class-room. Opportunities must be afforded to the pupils of all schools for receiving such religious instruction as their parents or guardians approve. The Bible has been sanctioned for use in Irish national schools (subject to the rules) since the commencement of the national system of education in 1831. The religious denominations of the child ren on the roils of the Irish national schools for the year 1905 are as follows: Roman Catholic children, 549,234; Protestant children, 181,765. —I am, etc., S. PEARSON. 253, Cuba Street, Wellington, 13th June, 1914.