The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1955-12-03
School Spiritual Guide

CONTINUED from Pagsi)
The guide calls upon teachers 10 nevesss sense
responsibility pupils and sxsmpfy such values JUS
fies love- kindness humility, dsssm and belief in God"
Approved by the Board Of svpsrinsndsnfs the highest
professional body in the eys school system the guide b
being considered by the Board Of Education end thus sub
isef 10 change.
adopted the guide could break with The general
practice Of keeping religion Of hs public school classroom
Supporters Of spiritual influence in teaching say that u
In affects the separation OF church and state They
also that by keeping religion and belief in God out Of
the classroom the schools by default teaching atheism
The nnspsss guide begins by strsssns the worth and
moral development Of the individual II speaks Of the rsspon-
sbiy Of home and church. then goes TO say that the
program Of s public schools reinforce the program
Of the home and church in strengthening belief in Cod
proceeds 10 affirm the role Of spiritual values and belief
in God In the teaching OF the arts and sciences II also calls
upon the schools TO cultivate respect for sdhersns Of diff
fsrsnt religions and beliefs"
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese Of New York has sp-
proved the guide through statement by Msr John voish
sehdoesssn secretary for education The Protestant Council
Of the City Of New York made public It's tentative approval
and eommsndaon of the guide but has referred the text
It's Department Of Christian Edueson for careful study
The New York Board Of Rabbis registered It's vigorous
opposition" last week.
The Roman Catholic statement terms the guide another
in series Of forwsrdookns statements adopted in recent
by bodies truly Of the people Of state
and city"
declares that THE Of this guide In the eIsssroos
Of schools will do much provide atmosphere and
vironment friendly and favorable TO religion without any
way matchmaking the pupils in the snsts Of any particular
religion"
asserts that advocates Of spiritual influence in The class
asking for seefaran teaching but simply for
"ovr schools reflect fhs spirit Of America by recognizing
Gods existenesFsther Creator and lawsverss the only
sound and generally recognized basis which TO build
vletions and habits essential TO moral living"
Only by acknowledging God and mans obligations to
Him. THE public school fulfill lis obligations in teaching
citizenship and in nvrtvrng the faith Of lis students in
nation which from the constitutional and legal point Of
view nation under Cod the Roman Catholic
declares
PROTESTANT AND JEWISH VIEWS
The Rev. Sidney Msnk, chairman Of the Department Of
Christian Education OF the Protestant Council said that I'VE
The Of the Board Of for the
incubation Of moral spiritual values part OF the
public school program"
III is contention that these values find their
most mssnnsfv sanction and motivation in belief in and
dependence upon Almighty Cod" he said.
The statement goes say that the Protestant Council
will take appropriate action after careful study Of the
guide
The New York Board Of Rabbis largest New York rsb-
bniesl group with Orthodox, Conservative and Reform mem
bsrs declared last week that religious education and training
the exclusive responsibility Of the homs church and
synagogue"
II said further that THE intrusion Of the stats-hroveh
the public schools clearly neither desirable nor welcome"
Protestant and Jewish groups have frequently been firm
in opposition 10 religious influence in the public schools But
this sentiment have been shifting recently least
among Profssiants
HOW THE GUIDE CANE ABOUT
While opposing any form Of seetsrsn religious teaching
ehvrehmsn have been calling for recognition Of God
and His influence in public school teaching They have been
asserting, Harvard Universs president, Dr. Nathan NJ
Pvssy said in June that there nssespsbs connection Of
religion with education.
The guide for moral and spiritual values in the schools
produced after years Of debate and be-
representatives Of the three faiths learned yes
srdsy After falling TO reach agreement Roman Catholic
Protestant and Jewish groups, submitted separate statements
10 New York education officials.
The guide then drawn up and submitted 10 The three
faiths for their comment u hoped that fhs would
be kept private until final decision made by the Board
Of Education But boiled into the open last week when the
New York Board Of Rabbits made public it's statement.