Dear Editor:
A week ago I went outside to pick up the latest copy of The Record left on my front porch and noticed the title of the cover story (Christian upset over billboard, Jan. 3). I began to scan through the article and found myself becoming very angry. It took me awhile to understand why my initial reaction to the billboard by the Centre of Inquiry Canada infuriated me so much, so I decided to sit down and think about it, and now I'd like to voice my opinion on the matter.
Canada is a multicultural society. I see it every day at work as I am an adult education teacher, and for 99 per cent of my students English is an additional language. As a result of people coming from all over the world to live here, we are a society made up of different customs and religious faiths. Every term I have students from most major world faiths and then some from less-known faiths. While many of my students left their countries for better opportunities here in Canada, many of them left because of war and religious persecution.
I believe that if a multicultural, multi-faith country is to continue to exist peacefully, we need to educate people in what it means to respect other people's faiths. I have no problem with the Centre of Inquiry Canada posting billboards around the country stating their beliefs. By all means, claim that you believe that there is no God or no gods and that as people we should lead with our hearts. In Canada we pride ourselves in freedom of speech and religion.
I do, however, take issue with them publicly disrespecting one particular group of people's faith. This is demonstrating disrespect and can only lead
to anger and hatred. I would have been just as angry and offended if the billboards read, "Lead with your heart, not with the Quran. Without Allah we are all good," or, "Lead with your heart not the Torah. Without Yahweh we are all good."
I love living in this multicultural society. I love that we all come from different customs and faiths, and I enjoy learning and talking about all these differences. It is through education and conversation that we can come to know one another and respect each other's differences while maintaining our own beliefs and practices.
As someone once said to me, "If you wish me to respect your beliefs and listen to what you have to say, you need to first show me that you will respect my beliefs and in turn listen to what I have to say."
The Centre of Inquiry Canada is going against all of this.
A meaningful debate is not "sparked" with an insult.
In fact, beginning any sort of discussion with an insult will only put people's backs up and ensure that your conversation is not going to take place.
No, I believe that these billboards are offensive and would like to see them pulled down and the Centre of Inquiry Canada apologizing for acting so disrespectfully.
Barbara Dumont, New Westminster
