In various arenas, Christians and other supporters of traditional values in Canada are facing increased challenges to their beliefs and their right to publicly practice them. Two stories have come to light in the past week reflecting some of these challenges facing Canadian Christians.
In September, the Royal Bank of Canada began a new program to "highlight the importance of sexual preference as one of RBC's primary diversity elements." As part of the program, RBC employees are encouraged to put a multi-colored triangle on their cubicle, demonstrating that this is a "Safe Space" for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered co-workers. While the program is voluntary, employees are being pressured to support the program for fear of being labeled "homophobic." The first edition of the RBC "Rainbow Space" states that, "voluntarily displaying this sticker shows gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered co-workers that they can feel safe with you, and shows unsupportive co-workers that you won't tolerate homophobia." A copy of the "Rainbow Space" newsletter is available from our website (Click here to download).
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Supreme Court of Canada |
Another situation prominently facing Canadians at this time is homosexual marriage. The Supreme Court of Canada began hearings on the issue today, October 6. In several provinces of Canada, homosexual marriage is now legal and marriage commissioners in the provinces are facing pressure from the provincial governments. In Manitoba, marriage commissioners received a letter from the director of vital statistics for the province telling them they would be expected to marry gay and lesbian couples or they are to resign. At least two have done so. According to a CBC report, eleven commissioners have resigned in British Colombia as well.
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Janet Epp Buckingham |
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, of which The Voice of the Martyrs is an affiliate, is part of the Interfaith Coalition on Marriage intervening in the Supreme Court of Canada Marriage Reference being held October 6-8. Janet Epp Buckingham, director of Law and Public Policy for the EFC, stated in a press release today, "In a very real sense, we are fighting for the right to live without discrimination in Canadian society and practice our religious beliefs with respect to marriage. Now that the historic definition of marriage is said to be contrary to Charter-values, those of us who define marriage as being between a man and a woman are deeply concerned about being marginalized in Canadian society." Glenn Penner, Communications Director for The Voice of the Martyrs, says, "Yet again, the issue of gay rights has become the battleground upon which religious freedoms in Canada are being fought. We are watching the Supreme Court very carefully on this issue, because Canadian courts have demonstrated a willingness to impinge upon religious freedom of public expression concerning homosexuality. What the Supreme Court decides on this issue will likely have profound implications for faith groups in the future. We urge you to remember in prayer those who are intervening in the next few days who hold to traditional values."
Pray for Christians who work at the Royal Bank. Pray that they will have the courage to hold to the truth of their beliefs. Pray for Christian marriage commissioners who have hard choices to make. Pray for the Supreme Court as it deals with the legality of homosexual marriage.
In the face of increasing pressure by gay activists to silence the voice of Bible-believing Christians, we believe that it is critically important that church leaders and teachers understand and educate others on the biblical teachings concerning homosexuality. Sadly, the Church in Canada has been largely silent on an issue that is being used to curtail our religious freedoms. To that end, The Voice of the Martyrs is making available the book, The Bible and Homosexual Practice by Robert A.J. Gagnon. This is perhaps the most thorough study of the issue available today and will prove to be an indispensable tool for anyone seeking to understand and exercise his/her religious freedom by speaking on this topic. Canadian subscribers can order your copy today through our online catalog.
