I received this statement (partially quoted below) which represents a response from multi-faith leaders across Canada. I certainly add my vioce to this.
While the neutrality of the state in
religious matters is a principle that helps to ensure the equality of all
people and all faiths, and while Quebec most certainly has the right to its own
self-identification, we strongly believe that secular institutions do not
require the prohibition of personal religious symbols in order to provide fair
and equal access and services to all citizens. Rather, we celebrate the
diversity of a truly pluralistic society. It is in the freedom of diversity for
all faiths and those of no faith tradition that there is justice for all.
The Canadian Interfaith Conversation encourages
the Quebec government to reconsider its proposed ban on religious symbols in
the public service. Requiring individuals to abandon certain religious
practices and essential parts of their identity creates an atmosphere of
intolerance and inequity and will undermine the egalitarianism and the sense of
the unity that the Quebec government wishes to uphold with this move.
The
Canadian Interfaith Conversation is an advocate for religion in a pluralistic
society and in Canadian public life. We want to promote harmony, dialogue and
insight among religions and religious communities in Canada and all Canadians,
strengthen our society’s just foundations, and work for greater realization of
the fundamental freedom of conscience and religion for the sake of the common
good and an engaged citizenship throughout our country.
in the Dharma,
Innen, doshu
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