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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 3a

Manifesto

page 20

Manifesto.

Every attempt made to settle the education question in England and Wales has conspicuously failed. The reason of this failure is that partial and partisan lines have been followed. The Act of 1902 erred in one direction; the Bill of 1906 erred as badly in another direction. Everyone sees that, a further attempt, to be successful, must proceed upon fresh lines altogether; and it is with a view to this new departure that the Secular Education League has come into being.

The Secular Education League aims at binding together in one effective organisation all who favour the "Secular Solution" of the Education problem, without reference to any other convictions—political, social, or religious—that they may entertain.

The fundamental principle of the League is expressed in the resolution that was carried at the crowded inaugural meeting, which took place at the "Tribune" Rendezvous on Monday evening, 4th February, under the chairmanship of Mr. George Greenwood, M.P.:—

"That this meeting, recognising that the sole responsibility for religious education rests with parents and Churches, expresses its conviction that there can be no final solution of the religious difficulty in National Education until the Education Act is amended so as to secure that there shall be no teaching of religion in State-supported Elementary Schools in school hours or at the public expense."

According to this resolution, religion must not be taught in the National Elementary Schools either at the public expense or by means of public machinery. Upon this basis a wise and just educational system could be established, which would necessarily prevent religious tests being imposed upon teachers, give absolute security to religious rights of parents, and infuse serenity and efficiency into the intellectual and moral atmosphere of the school looms.

The wisdom and equity of confining the teaching in public elementary schools to secular subjects were admitted by the late Mr. Gladstone. They have also been admitted by various political leaders still living—such as Lord Rosebery, Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, and Mr. John Morley. But many who recognise that Secular Education is ideally light declare that it is impracticable. They assert that the nation will not have it. Yet they offer no proof of this extraordinary statement. The truth is that the people have never had a clear issue laid before them. Only at Trade Union Congresses has a popular vote been taken, and on every occasion the skilled workmen, through their official representatives, have registered overwhelming majorities in favour of Secular Education.

It cannot be questioned that the religious controversy has been a serious hindrance to national education. England will never take her proper place in the van of educational progress until the State hands religion over to those who should care for it, and organises education on a scientific and civic basis.

Certainly the religious controversy shows no sign of abating. Passive resistance, pursued by Nonconformists, is now being threatened by Anglicans and Catholics. Even if a majority were to agree upon a compromise, it would still excite the passionate resentment of the minority. There is, indeed, but one way of peace—the way of Secular Education.

The Secular Education League neither professes nor entertains any hostility to religion. It simply regards religion as a personal and private matter, which all should be free to promote in voluntary associations, but which should never come under the control of the State. The League takes its stand on the principle of citizenship—with freedom and equality for all in matters that lie beyond.

page 21

It is with confidence that the Secular Education League appeals for moral and financial support. A number of distinguished names are already included on its General Council, and more will assuredly be added in the immediate future. What is now sought is a great accession of members, who give the motive power to every organisation. The way into the League is easy. Only the essential points of principle and policy are insisted upon; and the members' contribution is purely voluntary, each being left to subscribe according to interest and opportunity.

With the issue of this first Manifesto the general work of the Secular Education League begins, and the battle opens for the victory of "the Secular Solution."