Censorship Concerns

BC Christian News • FEBRUARY ISSUE 1999 • VOL. 19 #2 • Formerly "Christian Info News" •

Censorship should concern us, but perspective helps
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

By Flyn Ritchie

"IT IS extremely distressing that the Christian clergy were censored and put under limitations that they do not read from the New Testament or mention the name Jesus Christ [at the memorial service held for 229 travellers killed in the Swissair Flight 111 crash off Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia last September] . . . It is time the Christians wake up to their legitimate and honorable rights to dignity, worship and public recognition of their spiritual traditions."

An impassioned plea from the Christian Heritage Party? Jerry Falwell's Canadian cousin? No, it's a letter from H.P. Singh Nagra in Surrey's NOW Community paper. His sentiments were echoed by reporter Tom Zytaruk of the NOW, John Pifer in The Abbotsford & Mission News, and many others across Canada. A couple of lessons can be drawn from this situation.

Too meek?

On the one hand, without in any way judging the United Church minister and Catholic priest who decided to abide by the edict preventing them from properly practicing their beliefs, it is true that Canadian Christians are sometimes meek to a fault.

While it appears that the two clerics did not realize until it was too late that Muslim, Jewish and other leaders were not under similar guidelines, they could have responded, simply but firmly, that Canadians enjoy freedom of expression in the realm of religion.

Not alone

On the other hand, it is comforting to see the support which has galvanized around the church in the wake of this incident. While it sometimes seems that the church is being marginalized, the response of editorial and letter writers indicates that fairmindedness quite comfortably encompasses the church.

Many other examples could be recounted, including the B.C. Civil Liberties Association's support of Trinity Western University in its legal battles with the B.C. College of Teachers and the near unanimous backing for our paper when we were told we were not welcome in B.C. Transit locations because of our stand on such issues as abortion and homosexuality.

Balanced response

It is prudent to be vigilant, but it is wise, also, not to overreact to potential erosions of rights. Since the time of Constantine, not only has the church protected its own rights, in far too many cases it has restricted the rights of others.

Rather than responding in a defensive manner, we would do well to be positive. To borrow a sports phrase: the best defence is a good offence.

We must not be afraid to speak out clearly about our faith, but actions speak louder than words. If we love our neighbors as ourselves, speak up for the defenceless, whether they are believers or not, we will have done enough to protect ourselves. God will look after us.

Perspective

Of course, it is always useful to look around at the situations others face too. In this issue are reports on China and India. Our problems pale into insignificance beside theirs, and because the church is one, their problems should take priority over ours.

We are in no danger of being harassed and arrested, as in China, or being burned to death for our faith, as in India.

Source: http://www.canadianchristianity.com/cgi-bin/bc.cgi?bc/bccn/0299/censorship