RECOGNITION OF GOD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 May 1938, Page 9

RECOGNITION OF GOD

IN N.Z. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. A PASTORAL LETTER. AUCKLAND, May 1. A pastoral letter calling on all members of the Anglican communion to take a positive and decisive stand for the recognition of God in public schools, is being issued by Archbishop Averill, and is to be read in all Anglican churches in the Auckland diocese next Sunday. In response to an inquiry the archbishop has received from the Minister of Education, Hon P. Fraser, a declaration of his intentions concerning religious exercises in schools. The Minister says: "Clause 39 of the Education Amendment Bill proposes to give statutory opportunity for the Nelson system of religious instruction and provides for the ordinary opening time of schools being postponed or the ordinary closing time being advanced for half an hour on two days of each week for the purpose. I have indicated on several occasions that I consider the system of religious exercises introduced in recent years under the direction of the Bible-in-Schools League to be contrary to the often-expressed decision of Parliament, and that I propose to give Parliament the opportunity to decide the matter in a definite manner. “Ample opportunity will be given to representatives of the Bible-in-Schools League and others interested to place their opinions before Parliament through the education committee of the House of Representatives before the matter is finally decided.’’