I have decided for this post to simply cut and paste a news bulletin from Bruce Clemenger, the President of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada that I received in my e-mail box today. It is a matter for much prayer. Here it is for your consideration:
The EFC to appear before the Supreme Court of Canada:
The Supreme Court is about to hear the most challenging case to our religious freedom. On October 12 the Court will be asked to decide whether it is permissible in Canada to express religious convictions that others find offensive. Do we have the freedom to proclaim biblical truth in the public square or will our speech be restricted to that which no one finds troubling? In Canada, do we have true religious freedom or only the freedom to believe but not to speak about our beliefs if theses beliefs do not offend others?
The case is about flyers distributed by William Whatcott that were found by a Saskatchewan Human Rights Tribunal to promote “hatred towards individuals because of their sexual orientation.” He was fined $17,500.00. The flyers contained vehement comments about the sexual practices of same-sex couples. They also expressed his views on morality, sexual behaviour and public policy that reflected his religious beliefs. The Court of Queen’s Bench upheld the decision and the Court of Appeal overturned it. The Human Rights Commission appealed the decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.
As Christians, we are called to speak the truth about what we believe God requires – and so always as an expression of love. The EFC firmly believes that it is, in fact, the very opposite of hatred when we tell someone, on the basis of Scripture, that their actions are standing between them and a fuller understanding of the depth of God’s love for them.
One of the key issues that the EFC will address is whether one can challenge and denounce the activity of a person or group without being found to be promoting hatred or contempt against the people engaged in the activity. A basic tenant of the Christian faith is that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God despises sin but loves the sinner. Likewise, as disciples of Christ, we are to love others as God loves us while standing against activity that is contrary to justice and righteousness.
As we argue in our factum, the legal brief we submitted to the Supreme Court:
"It is not only possible to criticize certain behaviour without hating those exhibiting that behaviour, but criticizing such behaviour is often an expression of love. Evangelical Christians hold the belief in redemption as foundational to our existence. This is a context for interpretation of expression in which a distinction is made between acceptance and approval, agreement and tolerance. All people are fallen. All people can be redeemed. Thus all people are accepted in their personhood, for their inestimable worth. However, not all activity is acceptable; thus, while accepting the person, the Christian is called by Christ to disapprove of certain actions."
We argue that the expression of our faith, in word and deed, is a necessary and integral component of our faith and serves the public good:
"Evangelical Christianity calls for the imperatives of love for God and one’s neighbour as demonstrated in a religious faith that is integrated, active and holistic. Evangelical Christians practice and manifest their faith not only through religious worship, prayer, and doctrinal teaching, but also through activities of social service, charitable work, social activism and through participation in public dialogue 'for the good of their neighbour', and for the benefit of their society, all of which constitute a manifestation and exercise of their religious beliefs and values."
We also argue that it is contrary to our beliefs to confine our religious expression within the walls of a church. Our responsibility before God is to express our faith and moral perspective in word and deed to the broader society in which we live.
"For Evangelical Christians, social engagement within and outside one’s religious community is part of an outward expression of faith, obedience to and worship of God. The imperative to love goes beyond the confines of the Church. The Christian is compelled to love her neighbour as herself. Jesus taught that “neighbour” is anyone with whom a person comes into contact, and that “love” includes sharing the truth, as understood from Scripture, out of a genuine concern for the wellbeing of the neighbour."
What is at stake in this case is our ability to be public about the implications of faith in Jesus Christ for life and society. We do not seek to compel belief; we do want to participate in respectful debates about the nature of truth and live according to the Gospel. In the language of the public square, this means:
“The idea that to achieve tolerance, the non-violent and peaceful views of a religious minority, even if offensive to some, must be censored and punished with a hefty fine is unjustified and legally unsupportable in a society that is constitutionally pluralist, multicultural and guarantees freedom of religion and conscience.”
The implications of this case are significant. We solicit your prayers and support as we stand for the freedom in Canada to be disciples of Christ Jesus.
I remain grateful for your support.
Bruce Clemenger
President, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
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