One of the enduring strengths of the United Church is its commitment to equality for women and men in every aspect of our life together. While this has been an evolving commitment since 1925, we have led the way in inviting women into roles of leadership, both as laypeople and in ordered ministry. With this there has been a strong support of justice and fairness for women in Canadian society. I believe we have led the way in many respects.
It was disturbing to read in this morning's Globe and Mail newspaper that the Afghan government is proposing legislation that would condone sexual assault within marriage, as well as other repressive laws which would make women second class citizens by Western standards. Hilary Clinton of the United States has admonished President Karzai of Afghanistan for these laws and other governments, including ours, have expressed concern.
It makes me wonder what the military mission in Afghanistan is accomplishing. Many of us were ambivalent about the invasion of Iraq but were grateful that it brought an end to the Taliban regime which treated women as chattel. How can we prop up a government which has a similar outlook? I have no doubt about the bravery and commitment of Canadian soldiers, but every time I see a procession of funeral vehicles on the 401 highway carrying a fallen soldier toward Toronto I hope and pray that the sacrifice was worth it.
Any thoughts?
This is a difficult issue to talk about. I don't know a lot about what is happening in Afghanistan. Sometimes I get glimpses. Specifically, two books that I read opened my eyes to some of the conflict there: The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Very powerful and instructional books for me.
ReplyDeleteThere has been so much suffering and conflict in Afghanistan. Justice is needed, but are we the ones to provide it? If so, are we going about it in the right way? Knowing whether a young soldier has given his/her life for a good cause, is one of the most difficult of questions. God bless them, and may God give guidance to the ones who make the decisions to send them into conflict.
Both those novels are worth reading and A Thousand Splendid Suns gives insight into the terrible reign of the Taliban and the effects on the rights and role of women.
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