Editor, The Times:
I am responding to Rev. Bruce Comrie’s letter to the editor entitled “Certify all religious clerics or certify none” printed in the Aug. 6, 2015 edition of The Times.
I too believe the proposal to certify all Muslim clerics to be discriminatory. It is my opinion that peace and security in our country are promoted by people getting to know people.
In the short time I have lived in the North Thompson I have witnessed many changes in the religious landscape. The Evangelical Free Church in Blue River ceased to exist as did the Birch Island Anglican Church.
The North Thompson Pastoral Charge of the United Church is evolving, as first the Church of St Paul came into existence with the creation of a shared ministry between the Anglican, Lutheran and United churches in Barriere. Clearwater United Church is following suit and will undergo a name change in September.
Congregational leaders have come and gone, some retiring and some moving on. The North Thompson Pastoral Charge, including Clearwater United, continues to enjoy the leadership of Rev. Brian Krushel, a Lutheran pastor. The United Church rents space from the Catholics. The Baptists rent from the Evangelicals.
The Christmas community choir is a multi-denominational community event. Hymn sing at Evergreen Acres attracts musician from a wide faith background. Clearwater offers a Sikh temple and a multitude of Christian venues but does not have a mosque for people of Muslim faith to worship in.
Diversity is the name of the game as we live and work and play in our amazing community cradled in the beautiful North Thompson Valley and supported within this complex country called Canada.
In the spirit of people getting to know people, the United Church is planning a public event called “What Do We As Christians Need To Know to Understand Our Muslim Neighbours?”
The only way to have a peaceful and secure country is to be curious, ask questions and get to know the people living in our country.
Isn’t the definition of discrimination, “... to make a distinction in favor of or against one thing or person as compared to others”?
We are all people. We are all different. We all deserve respect and fairness.
Sandra Holmes
Clearwater, B.C.