RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1166, 29 June 1911, Page 8

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.

A CONFERENCE AT CHRISTCHURCH. (By Telegraph—Prcs6 Association.) Christchurch, June 28. '■ An informal conference, composed principally of ministers of religion, was held this morning to' discuss -matters connected with religious instruction, in schools. ' .Bishop Julius (Acting-Primate) presided. He said that he had called the conference in response to representations made to him by members of other communions and by his fellow Anglican Bishops, as tho committees of various denominations were at present considering tho New South Wales, system .with tho 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. Tho Anglican Church, through its triennial General Synod, had •already endorsed the principle of the New South Wales scheme, but' representatives. of other denominations present stated that as in their case tho matter was still sub judiCo they could take part in thediscussion only in their private capacities, and were unable to pledge their committees or church courts to the decisions of the conference. Representatives were present' of tho Anglican, " Tresbyterian, Methodist, Congregational, and Primitive Methodist Churches, and of tho Salvation Army. The Rev. R. E. Davies flCnox Church, Dunedin) explained tho principles of tho New South Wales scheme as it operates in-that' State and in Queensland, Western Australia, "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 re-, ligious 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 tho State schools of New Zealand.". It was further decided that Bishop Julius and tho Kev. C/ 11. Laws and tho Rev. J. Mackenzie be associated in convening a similar conference in April next year. iThe system as described by Mr. Davies provides: (1) For instruction being given in school hours from a provided Scripture reading book by the State school teachers, the instruction not to include leaching in the distinctive tenetsor doctrines of any religious denomination. (2) For ministers of religion to have tho right of entry during one hour, as arranged by tho school committee, to give definite denominational teaching to the children of their own church. (3) For parents to withdraw their children from all religions instruction if they so desire. In Queensland the Irish text book is not used, the Education Department having compiled a new scries of Scripture lessons.