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Abandon Bible-reading Plan in Memphis Public Schools

June 23, 1930
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
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The plan to introduce Bible classes in the public schools of Memphis as an elective subject with the cost of providing textbooks and salaries of instructors to be allotted among the various sects has been abandoned because the local ministers who had initiated the project could not agree on the kind of teachers to be selected and the manner in which the courses should be conducted.

The measure was proposed last March by the Protestant Pastors’ Association, the Rev. Parks W. Wilson heading the committee in charge and drafting the plan. Opposition soon developed even among the Protestant clergy. Although public opinion on the matter was divided it appeared to be the general feeling that the place for Bible teaching was in the home and the church.

Rabbi Harry W. Ettelson of Congregation Children of Israel led the fight to defeat the project.

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