The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, August 26, 1909. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 472, 26 August 1909, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, August 26, 1909. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION.

WE are glad to notice that there is an awakening in many parts oi New Zealand to the important work of training the young, and this is coming from the right quarter —the clergy of the different churches. Religion cannot be made effective by Act of Parliament, and it is well that it is so, for religion is a service of perfect freedom, and’ ceases to be religion il made compulsory. There would be no lack of religious instruction in the Dominion it the parents of the children really cared tor the welfare of their little ones and took advantage of the opportunities given to them. In many towns the churches are thrown open 011 week days, so that the children may be educated in the things that concern their souls; and it is quite a common sight to see ministers of all creeds waiting in class rooms of our public schools after school hours, to give free religious instruction to all who care to take it. Instead of people denouncing the [godless system of modern education, and writing over the map of New Zealand the ranch-used word “secularism,’ let them look at the clergy, and they will find men full of zeal and enthusiasm, who are longing to do their very best to supply that ! which is not set down in our school curriculum. Onr own town is not behind in the opportunity given for religions teaching. The Vicar of All Saints’ has for some time opened Isis Church on Wednesdays and Fridays for this purpose ; and the local School Committee lias given permission to the ministers of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, nr any other minister, to hold religious instruction classes in the Stale School after school hours. The responsibility of the training of the little ones is no longer to be laid on the shoulders of Parlia- ’ merit, or to he laid at the door of the Church. The responsibility belongs solely to the parents. Now is the time for the parents to awake from their lethargy and indifference, and by a keen interest, to help on this great work which, against much opposition, is slowly gaining ground. All great reforms have had to fight opposition, and it is the duty of all Christian parents to move from the path of progress unnecessary opposition, which, is really the spirit of indifference.