I am regularly dismayed by the atrocious lack of civility in the Canadian House of Commons. It would seem that the heckling and baiting has only increased over time leading us to wonder whether parliament is a place for ill-behaved theatrics rather than the serious business of running a nation. Throw in a fuddle-duddle or two and it really is embarrassing.
So, what are we to make of the decision to maintain the daily prayer before the start of each parliamentary sitting? The Bloc Quebecois presented a motion to eliminate it and in the vote the Bloc was supported by the NDP and the Greens. All but one of the Conservatives and Liberals voted against the motion and it was defeated.
I have no firm opinion on this one. God knows this bunch needs all the prayer which can be mustered, but why include an invocation of the Deity who everyone proceeds to ignore in the tone of daily deliberations? And which expression of god-talk is appropriate? The current one-size-fits all prayer has a decidedly Church of England vibe to it and doesn't reflect the religious pluralism of our time, not to mention that somes MP's are agnostics and atheists.
Here is the prayer -- tell me what you think.
"Almighty God, we give thanks for the great blessings which have been bestowed on Canada and its citizens, including the gifts of freedom, opportunity and peace that we enjoy. We pray for our sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, and the Governor General. Guide us in our deliberations as members of Parliament, and strengthen us in our awareness of our duties and responsibilities as members. Grant us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to preserve the blessings of this country for the benefit of all and to make good laws and wise decisions. Amen."
"for the benefit of all" is a phrase that the parliamentarians do not hear, often... sadly !
ReplyDeleteThe members pray to God to guide them in their deliberations. That serious plea is not apparent in Question Period which gets the most televised exposure to Canadians than other parts of the Parliamentary day. Most people know it needs to be reformed in its format, the posturing of the questioner and respondent and the behaviour of many of the MPs that wouldn't be allowed in ANY other work or school context. They must realize that the public loses respect because of this . KB
ReplyDeleteYes, that "for the benefit of all" phrase should be heeded in a House which is so polarized, Judy. And so true, Kathy, that the abhorent behaviour in Parliament wouldn't be tolerated in any other setting.
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