CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11506, 12 February 1903, Page 6

CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

BIBLE READING IN SCHOOLS,

(r-RKSS ASSOCIATION TELEOBOI.) DUNEDIN, February 11. At t>he Congregu-tional Union to-day a communication from the Rev. J. Gibb on the subject of Bible in schools was read, in which the writer urged the co-operation of the Council in securing tie introduction of Bible instruction in public schools on the lines of the Victorian evAtem. The Rev. Mr Hervey moved—"That the Council wish to have the State schools daily opened by reading by the. -hesui teachers of selected portions of scripture, including the t<Ti commandments, Lord's prayer, eermon on the .Mount, and tho Lord's parables, but do not appiove teaching , from any text bi/oks." The Key. Mr Saunders moved as an amendment the resolutions adopted by the Council of Churches—"(l) Repetition of the Lord's iprayer ; (2) reading of selected portions of tlw* Bible in school thorns, teachers pivinir explanations as set forth in a book to l)e. prepared by a committee of the churches, v.nd (3) a conscience clause to admit of objectors withdrawing during scripture lessons-" The discussion was adjourned.

At the evening sess-ion ne-veral addresses were given on the subject of home missions and church extension. To-morrow the Union will debate the question of the union of the churches.