BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1625, 17 December 1912, Page 8

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Sir,—The resolution carried by the large, assembly at the Town Hall on Friday last, as tho outcome of the Rev. Dr. Cleary's utterances on the question of Bible in schools, may have an impressive effect upon those who have an aversion to the proposals of the Bible in Schools League. The final clause of the resolution, objecting to the scheme, declares it as an "invasion of religious peace." One could reasonably expect to find the prime supporters of such a resolution among those whoso efforts and creed are essentially based upon religious peace and tolerauco in all respects. It is a significant fact, however, that much concern among tho churches at present is caused by the remarkable proclamation of the Roman Catholic- Church in the "No Temere" decree. This has been received by Protestants as a violent "invasion of religious peace," and it is difficult to reconcile the supporters of tho decree with the promoters of the above resolution. It will therefore, be surprising to find that recommendations emanating from such a source will bear any impression upon those who have not yot decided what course should be adopted to solve such an important question. -- , It is not surprising to read among the lecturer's remarks question 5, which refers to tho proposed conscience clause as being specially devised for the express purpose of proselytism. It must be generallv admitted that the Roman Catholic Church has nothing to learn in arts and possibilities of proselytising, and any leading member of the Churcli may be forgiven for declaring that religious teaching and proselytism aTe inseparable. The average citizen and taxpayer, having the welfare of .his children at heart is surely cap-, able of declaring for or against the introduction of Bible in schools, and if citizens are prepared to vote upon tho question, then surely it is arrogant intolerance to refuse the opportunity of doing so.—l am, 6lp " "REFERENDUM." Wellington, December 11, 1912.