FO371-23515 — Page 286

21.

79. There is also a growing difficulty in the case of mis-

sion schools. Missions are only too willing to conform to the

government curriculum but certain of them wish it to be clear

from their charter that the schools are to be run on Christian

principles. By this they mean that they wish to retain freedom

of conscience in matters, such as e.g. attendance at shrines,

in which conformity with the laws would involve the sacrifice

of their religious principles. The authorities maintain that

attendance at shrines on certain specified occasions is a mat-

ter of loyalty and has no religious significance.

missions accept this ruling and make no bones about attendance

of their scholars or converts: others again reject the govern-

ment ruling and maintain that to attend would be idolatry.

Certain

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