BIBLE BEADING IN SCHOOLS.

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 41, 3 January 1902, Page 4

BIBLE BEADING IN SCHOOLS.

j During his recent absence from Wel- | lington, Bishop Wallis attended meetj ings at Auckland and Wanganui of clergymen of Protestant denominations in connection with Bible Teaching in State schools. An organisation, is being extended which is called tne S jciety for the Prpmotson of Bible Teaching in State schools. Its objects are as follow : —“(1) To demand such alteration of the Education Act as will prescribe :—(a.) That Government - schools be opened daily with the Lord’s Prayer ; (b.) That on certain days of the week simple lessons on selected portions of the Bible be given by the teachers during school hours. Provided : —(i) That these lessons shall be of a strictly undenominational character ; (ii.) That teachers who conscientiously object to give these lessons shall not be compelled to give them, and scholars whose parents have conscientious objections shall not be compelled to receive them. (2,) To urge members of Parliament and candidates for election thereto to press the above alteration upon the Legislature.” It is proposed that the portions of the Bible on which lessons would be given ! should be selected, and simple notes on them furnished by a committee of representative of various Christian denominations. The Bishop, when seen by a “New Zealand Times” reporter, said the objects of the society had been approved of by representative clergy- : men in Wellidgton, Nelson, and Auckland. The clergy at Napier and Dunedin seemed willing to come into line. The society’s objects have also received the approval of various clei-gymen who, however, were not authorised to speak for their churches or denominations in the matter. Local committees, to further the objects of the society, have been established in different places, and others will be formed from time to time. Steps will also be taken to ascertain the feeling in centres where organising meetings have not

yet been held. In the past, one of the arguments against. Bible teaching in State schools has been that the different srets were not agreed as to the teaching to be given. The society hopes to be able to show that this agreement can be secured.