Dear Editor:
Hate and bullying is wrong, regardless of the victim. Surprisingly, the Conservative Dunderdale government has introduced in the My Gay-Straight Alliance school program. This will only add to the problem of hate and bullying by neglecting and targeting others.
Christianity, like most faiths, teaches we must love all people but not necessarily approve of all their actions. Some of Christ’s closest friends were prostitutes and tax collectors, but He did not applaud their sins. Christ loved them so much that He wanted them to be in full communion with Him.
The Catholic Church, the original and universal Christian Church, teaches in the Catechism: "Basing itself on Sacred Scripture ... tradition has always declared that homosexual acts are ... contrary to the natural law. ... The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will..."
Other churches agree such as the Salvation Army, which preaches in its Positional Statement: "... biblical standards calls for chastity outside of heterosexual marriage and faithfulness within it. ... we are committed to proclaiming ... transformation..."
Although Christians love all people, regardless of their background, we are often hated and bullied by individuals and governments alike. Churches are often vandalized. Leaders are mocked. In debate people are attacked for their private faith and not their public arguments. Seasonal greetings are deemed unmentionable. Believers are looked at with puzzlement. Rights to freedom of speech and religion are ignored.
This discrimination often results from non-believers or left-wing activists purposely misrepresenting Christianity. The My Gay-Strait Alliance program will further disseminate their propaganda. Consequently, Christian children will face more hatred and bullying. Unjust discrimination of homosexuals is already rejected by society, however offenses against Christians mostly go unchallenged and will now be enshrined in the school system.
Schools were deformed with the principle that they should not be teaching morality. The My Gay-Straight Alliance program is not following this principle as homosexuality is clearly a hot button moral issue. The government is trampling on parent’s rights to protect their children from offensive propaganda and state indoctrination. Parents may have the option to remove their children from certain offensive activities or classes, but the propaganda of the My Gay-Straight Alliance program which falls outside of the set curriculum would be unavoidable.
If the government continues to run the My Gay-Straight Alliance program, it must implement programs to better explain Christianity and prevent anti-Christian hatred and bullying. In addition, they should provide financial support to parents who choose not use public schools and homeschool or use private schools that adhere to their philosophies.
Patrick Hanlon
St. John’s, NL
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