I believe in religious freedom for adherents of most faiths. Of course freedoms have their limits. Cults which foment hatred or the subjugation of women can't be tolerated in a civil society. Fringe groups from any tradition have to be reminded that hijacking God for particular causes is false religion and idolatry. And I don't view all religions as being the same or just variations on the same theme.
So, I have been interested in the Conservative government's modest plan to establish an Office of Religious Freedom in this country in the next few months. Some critics, including Amnesty International, have expressed caution even though they acknowledge the serious problem of religious persecution around the world. The concern is that the office could be used to gain political points with minority groups. From my standpoint, I wonder how this will improve on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which already exists in Canada. Perhaps the office will allow us to speak to some of the abuses in other countries.
What are your thoughts about this initiative? Is this a positive action or redundant? Do we need to hear more about the importance of religious freedom?
3 comments:
It's a curious initiative that I'm largely cynical about.
On the one hand, the Minister acknowledges a pressing need to fight religious persecution around the world. On the other, he (and the government) create the office as a minor piece of DFAIT with a miniscule budget of $500 000.
The fact that it's so buried in Foreign Affairs, and that it's been created with so little fanfare despite the international nature of its scope makes is a real head-scratcher. As David also points out, to many it points to an effort to buy votes from certain ethinic groups in our urban areas.
Above all else, I think Amnesty's objection sums up my concerns the best:
“It’s an area obviously where governments need to tread carefully. They need to do so in ways where they don’t – either intentionally or unintentionally – convey a message that some religions are preferred over others.”
I agree with Ian on all counts.
Me three.
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