RELIGIOUS INSTRUCIION IN SCHOOLS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2217, 4 April 1881, Page 3

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCIION IN SCHOOLS.

Ameeting of the clergy of Ohristchurch, convened by the Bishop, wbb (says the '* Church News ") held recently to consider the question of religious instruction in State schools. The following extract from a letter received from the Bev. A. Beid, chairman of tho Ohristchurch Ministers' Association, was read :—" The Ohristchurch Ministers' Asso ciation has had under consideration for several months past the practicability of giving religious instruction in the State schools of ihis city. In the Sydenham school Beveral ministers have been co. operating during the past year in giving a Bible lesson weekly, after tho usual school hours. The ministors of our Association are of opinion that as much, at least, might be attempted in tho schools of Ohristchurch. It occurred to us, however, that the clergy of your Ohurch might be willing to co-operate with us in this movement, or failing this, might desire to organise a similar effort of their own." After a lengthy discussion, tho following resolutions, proposed by the Very Kev. the Dean, were passed : —l. " That until an alteration can be obtained in the Education Act, the Bishop and clergy of the Ohurch of England in Ohristchurch and the neighborhood, would be glad to co-operate with the Ministers' Association in endeavoring te obtain permission from the committees of ! the Government schools within their parishes I and districts for the communication of religious instruction in such schoolß, to tho children belonging to their several denominations on a cortain day or days in each weok, by the ministers of the several denominations, or persons authorised by them." 2. " That a committee be appointed to act with the Bishop in any conference to be held with the Ministers' Association on the subject, cr in othorwiso carrying out the foregoing resolution, the committee to consist of the Rev. E. A. Lingard, E. G. Penny, H. O. M. Watson, and T. FJavoll." 3. "That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable steps should be taken for the presentation to both Houses of the Legislature, at its ensuing session, of the petition agreed to by the General Bynod on the 3rd May, 1880, to be signed by the Most Rev. the Primate, on behalf of tho Bishops, clergy, and laity of the ecclesiastical province; and that a similar petition or petitions should bo drawn up for signature by Ohurch people and others generally, and, after as many signatures as possible have been obtained, should be presented to both Houses of the Legislature at the [ensuing session." 4. " That a oommittee be appointed to carry out the foregoing resolutions, to consist of the Rev. W. O. Harris, tho . - Rev. F. Knowles, and tho mover."