Dated: September 18th, 2013
In recent news, my home province called Quebec has been trying to pass a Charter of Values that would ban public servants from wearing religious garb (e.g crucifixes, hijabs, turbans, etc.). This proposal has been causing an uproar in the province, a slew of “racist” and “xenophobic” incidents (i.e a muslim woman being insulted on a bus, etc.) littering Youtube and several media outlets.
The province has hit a new low to me, for a one whose history and culture is founded on motives of Faith: ‘the first explorers, 250 years worth educational, and social service c/o of the Catholic Church” (as Conrad Black from the National Post writes). A Quiet Revolution in the 60’s and a couple a governments later, not only is the Roman Catholic Church on “the chopping block,” but so are all religions.
My first thought was “secularism really does head East to West”. #Europeproblems now #Quebecproblems. Toronto (the mission area I am assigned to), is the first Mission Centre west of Quebec. Toronto must be strong to be light to the areas in the east. This very individual thought inspires me to continue serving passionately. I am part of a missionary Community that is called to inspire one individual, one family, until eventually Society itself starts to change.
