Religion: Sunday School Fiasco

"The modern American Church school is the funniest thing in the land—or it would be if it were not the saddest . . . [it] is a tragic fiasco." Thus the late Bishop Fiske (Episcopalian) of Central New York once wrote to The Rev. Kenneth R. Forbes.

Last week the Rev. Mr. Forbes, onetime chaplain of Philadelphia's City Mission, used the Bishop's words as ammunition in taking a few pot shots at those "pundits in religious education" who for 25 years "like an old phonograph record" have been expressing "great concern" over the "shocking ignorance" of Christian youth —and doing nothing about it. Chaplain Forbes had recommendations.

Said Forbes, "The parish clergy . , . have got to assume the duty [of teaching children] . . . and cease delegating it to others."