RELIGION IN STATE SCHOOLS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2562, 30 September 1893, Page 2

RELIGION IN STATE SCHOOLS.

A conference convened by the Bishop of Chriatchurch, of the clergy and laity of the various denominations, was held at Christehurch on Thursday afternoon, to consider the introduction into State schools of religious teaching. The Bishop, in the course of a lengthy address, said that for his part he was in favour of grants for denominational schools, but he recognised that there was no hope of effect being given to his views. He thought,however,that all the churches would agree to supporting some elementary system of religious teaching, and if they united in this respect their influence could not be resisted. "a discussidii followed in which Dr Blmslie, the Rev. G. Webster (Presbyterian), the Revs. W. Morley, H. R. Dewsbnry, ft*4 F, W. Isitt, (Wesleyan), the Rev. Sydney Bake? /Congregational), and the Rey. J. Hoskins (Frge Methodist), took part, AIJ ©pppsedany return to denommation&lism, but agred with the desirableness of th<j introduction into the schools of religious teaching. The general opinion was in favour of the use of a selected text-b«ok rather than the bible itself. , It was resolved on the motion of the Rev. Mr Dewsbury, seconded by the Bev. Gordon Webster—" That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that a textbook consisting of selected portions of scripture should be introduced into the curriculum of the Stefe schools of the colony." A committee consisting of Bishop j Julius, the Rev. Gordon Webster j (Presbyterian), H. B. Dewsbury (Wesleyan), Sydney Baker (Congregational), J. Hosking (Free Methodist), J. Dawson, (Primitive (Methodist), Mr H. Olnay, (Baptist), and Colonel Bailey (Salvation , Army); each to appoint a layinan, was J appointed for the purpose of reporting on i the most suitable form of text-book. The committee was also recommended to consider the beat means of influencing ' pu jlic opinion jy ttw matter, {