BIBLE IN SCHOOLS DEPARTMENT.

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 214, 18 April 1913, Page 14

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS DEPARTMENT.

Dear Sisters, - I was appointed Superintendent of this department at Convention. Though 1 hesitated at tir>t in accepting the position, feeling as 1 do the very great importance of the* subject, and its being one in which 1 am greatly interested, I should like* to do what I can to assist our I'nion in working this department in a united and satisfactory manner. I have* been teaching in the Voluntary Bible* in Sc hools Teachers’ Association here for the* last few years, and have also been a member of the Central School Committee for some years, so perhaps am in a position to know something of the subject. You will have heard the two resolutions passed on this question at Convention, and I should like* to ask the various branches to postpone passing any very decided opinion upon them until the circular which is being prepared at headquarters setting forth the* reasons for Convention arriving almost unanimously at this decision, are put before you. I have been sorry to notice that suggestions have appeared in various papers in the Dominion intimating that undue pressure had been

brought to bear upon members oi Convention. Having been present at the* discussion, I should like to state that such was not the ca-e. The discussion was a most fair and impartial one, full time being given for all members to express their views, and all sides of the question being heard. Some of the arguments brought forward against the New South Wales system we had not heard before, and they seemed to us of great weight. Another suggestion that has also appeared in the Press from the* same source, that members should repudiate the action of their own Convention, seems to me a most unworthy one, and one that members of any well organised body would he* very sc rry to do. 1 would therefore impress upon all members that pending their full study of the* above-men-tioned circular and further discussion, they should -hem every confidence in the* wisdom and good faith of their delegates, and the* intelligent judgment of the officers of the* Convention. While we realise that no action of Convention can interfere with our ow i personal liberty and independent individual action in questions of this nature, we should give our full moral support to uphold the I’nion to which wc* have the honour to belong, and which allows such absolute freedom of thought and expression at it- Conference. A circular is being prepared, and will be* furnished to every branch as soon as possible. I am, yours in I’nion work, X. F. WALKER, Supt. Bible in Schools Dept. Ci-borne.