In the intense, polarized climate of our society, many people of faith are persuaded that topics deemed “political” are best avoided.
Curious
I invest a portion of my discretionary time into prayer, listening, and learning. Over the weekend I heard from a variety of voices. They not only informed the content but ignited the impetus behind this post. I don’t have full knowledge about these subjects, but I’ll follow the counsel I give to leaders: start something important before you feel fully ready.
I am curious about what you think of the conversations around Federal Bill C-9 and Alberta Provincial Bill 18.
Backgrounder Bill C-9
Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act (45-1), is proposed Canadian legislation designed to amend the Criminal Code to strengthen measures against hate-motivated crimes, protect community spaces, and ban the public display of hate or terrorism-related symbols.
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, The Canadian Centre for Christian Charities, the Canadian Conference for Catholic Bishops, along with other evangelical organizations and pastors spoke out against it.
Opinions were amplified across social media about the loss of freedom of speech, “Christian persecution,” pastors in danger behind the pulpit, and the Bible being under attack.
What If?
Responses were based on what might happen because of Bill C-9.
What is certain is what this Bill clearly does not do.
My colleague, Edwin Rideout, offered a measured pastoral response: “Bill C-9 does not prevent Christians from:
preaching,
teaching Scripture,
sharing the gospel,
gathering for worship, or
expressing biblical convictions.
It does not remove the church’s freedom to disciple believers,
speak truth with compassion, or
serve society through acts of love.”
When believers respond with unconditional love for neighbours, we act on mission. There’s no law against that. “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.'” (Galatians 5:14, ESV)
Finland
In the same week Bill C-9 was passed a ruling by the Supreme Court of Finland made headlines. A former cabinet minister in the Finnish parliament who is an evangelical Christian was recently convicted of inciting hatred against a minority group in a booklet she published in 2004, Male and Female He Created Them: Homosexual Relationships Challenge the Christian Understand
ing of Humanity.
Christians criticized the ruling. “She was just sharing Bible verses.” Canadian leaders were quick to connect Bill C-9 and the Finnish ruling, warning of what would become Canadian pastors’ legal issues.
But is that the whole story? The Finnish court’s decision was not based on a Biblical text, but on the accused’s description of homosexuality as a “psychosexual developmental disorder and sexual abnormality.”
That description is not, as was stated, “classical Christianity.”
A Canadian pastor using that same description could be considered hate speech because it is not just a theological opinion but defames homosexuals as a group.
There are legitimate concerns about removing the specific “good faith religious defence” and the weakness of its replacement clause. However, pastor, Christian believer, stick to the behaviours listed above. And if that lands you in court, you won’t be alone.
Backgrounder Bill 18
Bill 18 is the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act introduced to restrict Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). It limits eligibility to adults with a reasonably foreseeable death within 12 months, bans MAID for mental illness as a sole condition, prohibits advance requests, and limits information in healthcare facilities.
Is Bill 18 about protecting vulnerable Albertans or protesting federal law?
I’m curious.
Suffering
A friend in the faith summed up the perspective of people who will be affected by this legislation. “Personally, I, a lover of living, want the right to choose to end my life if a host of medical professionals agree that I am of sound mind and they have nothing else to offer me in terms of relief. I would have that right today and probably not next year. I am not interested in hearing from people who are not suffering about the noble cause of suffering and their right to protect me from ending my suffering.”
I’ve been at bedsides with more than one family and their loved ones who suffered immensely for years with incurable illness and unanswered prayers for healing. They came to the chosen end of their life with grace and faith.
People of Faith
C-9 and 18 address complex issues. There are no easy answers. Not even for people of faith.
However, faith in Jesus invites us not to avoid but to live in the tension between conviction and uncertainty.
Our neighbours are watching.
Please join the conversation and post a comment below.
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