BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13415, 30 June 1911, Page 4

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

AN INFORMAL CONFCRBNOC. (Per United Ptcm Association}. CHRISTCHURCH. June 31. An informal conference, composed priacipally of ministers of religion, was hold this morning to discuss a matter connected with religious instruction in schols. Bishop Julius, acting-Primate of the Church of England in New Zealand, presided, and said that he had called the conference in response to representations made to him by members of other communities and by his fellow bishops. As the committees of the various denominations were at present considering the New South Wales system with ike view of reporting to their respective assemblies, it seemed desirable that - the present conference should take place to discuss to what extent uniformity of action was probable. The Anglican Church, through its triennial bynod, had already endorsed the principle of the New South Wales scheme, but the representative of other denominations present stated that, as in their case the matter was still sub judice, they could take part in the discussion ouly in their private capacities, and were unable to pledge their commit-t-es or church courts to the decisions. Representatives were present of the Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational, and Primitive Methodist Churches, and of the Salvation Army. The Rev. R. E. Davies (Knox Church. Dunedin) explained the principle of the New South Wales scheme as it operated in that State and in Queensland, Western \natralia, and Tasmania. After full discussion, the following resolution was arrived at without dissent That this conference approves of the general principles of the system of religious instruction which obtains in New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia, and commends such as the only practical solution of the problem of religious instruction in the State schools of New Zealand.” It was further decided that Bishop Julius and the Rev. C. H. Laws and Bov. T. Mackenzie be associated in convening a similar conference in April next year. Tlie system as described by Mr Davies provides (1) for instruction lieing give* ia school hours from a provided Scripture reading-book by the State school teacheie. the instruction not to include teaching in the distinctive tenets or doctrine of oav religious denomination; (2) for of religion to have the rie-ht of entry during one hour as arranged by the School Committee to give definite denominational teaching to the children of their own church: and (3) parents to withdraw their -hildren from all religious instruction if they so desire. In Queensland the Irish text-hook ia not ufcd, the Education Department having compiled 4 new series of Scripture lessons. “