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Canadian Jewish Leader Objects to Teaching Religion in Public Schools

April 11, 1961
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Opposition to the teaching of religious subjects in the public schools was expressed here by Sydney M. Harris, chairman of the national joint public relations committee of the Canadian Jewish Congress and B’nai B’rith. Addressing a student gathering at Hillel House here, Mr. Harris declared that the removal of “objectionable features” from teachers’ manuals used in public school instruction will not suffice.

“Overhaul of the texts,” he said, “would be an indication of good will on the part of those responsible for the texts, and would relieve some of the tensions inherent in the course. But any plan to give more time or emphasis to the Old Testament would not make the course any more acceptable.” Mr. Harris pointed out that the basic aim of the course is “the acceptance of the historic Christian faith.” “It is the implanting of a specific theology, he maintained, “not Christian virtues, that is being contested.”

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