Bible-in Schools.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1922, Page 1

Bible-in Schools.

DISCUSSION BY GENERAL SYNOD

AUCKLAND, April 23,

The question of Bible in Schools was introduced into Synod by Canon P. E. James ,who moved “that Synod being persuaded that the greater part of the citizens of the Dominion regard the lack of provision of religious instruction in the State schools as a grievous loss to the children and to the community, calls for such an amendment of the Education Act that Bible instruction according to the London Cotin tv Council or other agreed svllabus shall he given in the State schools during the ordinary school hours by school teachers, subject to the conscientious objections of parents or teachers to this instruction being alwavs respected, and that there lie no statutory “right of entry to ministers of religion or others to give religious teaching in schools where the proposed provision is made.” The mover said a change with respect to the early training of children had conic over the temper of the people as evidenced by the support being given to the Young Citizens’ League and the desire for a change. He thought they could have had the Bible in schools long ago if the ordinary person could have been convinced that it meant the Bible in the school and not the pastor in the school. He thought the right of entry was such a poor thing that it was not worth bothering about, and reminded Synod that, it the right of entry were granted, all denominations and fancy religions would have the right to enter the schools, and it would he utterly wrong to parade their denominational differences before the children. This could only make for sectarian friction. Tic felt that any objection to his proposed scheme would not come from the teachers, of whom the Dominion had a right to ’he proud. Teaching was an art, and so few ministers were qualified in that direction that the Bible distinction so given would prove so unintelligent, unattractive and poor that it would suffer’ in comparison with such subjects as geography or history. The syllabus of the London County Council provided for the reading of a portion of the Scriptures which was afterwards explained, while provision was also made for the singing of. a hymn. Certainly the syllabus was not enough, and other denominations would also think so, hut it provided a good soldi foundation and every .church must build its own superstructure upon it. The motion was seconded by Mr NE. Burton, who stated that the light of entry was opposed hv teachers. He quoted from communications which showed that the system propcsed by Canon James was working very successfully iu London and had gone a lone wav towards improving the tone of the schools. No system of education was complete that could not find room for religion. At this stage Synod went into committee.