CANTERBURY FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION.

Freethought Review, Volume I, Issue 9, 1 June 1884, Page 6

CANTERBURY FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION.

Mr. Hall, the Secretary, sends the following items for publication : Christchurch, 15th May, ISB4. Sir, —The lectures at our Hall for the past month have been April 20th, “ What civilisation lias done for Christianity;” 21st “ Ingersoll at home and on the platform;” and 22nd, “Is the Bible God worthy of reverence ?’’ by Mr. Charles Bright; 27th, "Blasphemy,” by Mr. Matheson ; May 4th, “Bible heroes (Abraham, Isaac", and Jacob), in the School, by Mr. Rae ; nth, “ Religions ideas,” by Mr. Parker. The Christchurch City Council has a bydaw that places of public entertainment shall take out a license, and have called upon our Association to do so. Acting upon legal advice, we have declined, as, although the present Councillors might not interfere, yet their successors might try to stop our Sunday evening meetings. Surely the Christians can’t believe m. the power or willingness of their God, or they would, if necessary, send up a prayer stating their case and then leave it without trying to bring pressure on a City Council. We maintain that our lectures are not entertaining within the meaning of the by-law more than those in churches or the lectures of professors at Canterbury College. We object to pay either rates nor licences, thinking it right that every church or chapel should pay, and be on the same footing with the Association. If we do not get justice in this matter, an application will be made to Parliament to compel all churches and chapels to take out licenses, in order that we shall be alike in the matter of Sunday services. We are members of a congregation, and our religion is truth and humanity. We don’t want to interfere, and would oppose any interference, with the followers of any member of the Jewish race. After hearing for months nothing but curses and growling about the ruined harvest, I was surprised to find all the Churches going in for thanksgiving services. Bible stories causing so many jokes amongst Jew’s, Christians, and infidels, it seems a pity to rob the next generation of so much laughter by keeping the Bible out of schools. The Salvation Army has prayed to its God for the conversion of Colonel Ingersoll. I wonder with what success. Yours faithfully, F. C. Hall, Secretary C.F.A.