Banning religious symbols from public life antithetical to belief.
Many people across Canada have experienced 'Raptors fever.'
This can be seen in the countless fans who, filled with great joy, are promoting the team and proudly wearing its logo. This incredible team spirit is contagious, and nobody seems to mind.
For the moment it is helping to unify a sometimes divided country as crowds at the game chant, "We the North."
Overt gestures, that demonstrate loyalty and support for particular sports teams, seem to be universally accepted in our world. The same cannot be said regarding other signs and symbols.
Hearings have recently concluded in Quebec regarding Bill 21 which is the province's proposed secularism legislation. If the law is passed, certain public sector employees would not be allowed to wear religious symbols at work.
In an interview during CTV's Question Period (Sunday, March 31, 2019), Christopher Skeet, parliamentary assistant to Quebec Premier Francois Legault, commented on Bill 21. He said, "We're saying that when you come to work, when you exercise the power of the state, that you leave your religion at the door, and I don't think that's too much to ask in a secular society … Of course, they can always wear their religious symbols when they're finished work."
There seems to be an attitude among some, that the only place for religion is the home or in a place of worship. It has no place in the public sphere.
If a religious symbol is merely an expression of faith, then the deeper message here seems to be that your faith should not influence your work. This thinking is totally contrary to how a Christian understands faith. I am sure that the same can be said for other religions.
There is a delightful story told in the the Gospel of Luke about a tax collector called Zacchaeus. Most children love this account because it involves climbing trees and someone who is small in stature.
Zacchaeus wants to see Jesus who is passing through his village; however, because he is short, he climbs a tree in order to have a better view. We are told that "When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.' So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, 'He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.' Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, 'Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house.'" (Luke 19:5-10)
Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus had a profound effect on his life. It gave him a more joyful outlook that influenced how he interacted with others. Faith is about an encounter with Jesus that has a lifelong impact.
From a Christian perspective we cannot check our faith at the door when we enter society. Faith is an outlook on life. Our love for Jesus becomes the inspiration for a joyful, enthusiastic, hope-filled attitude. This perspective then helps us to become like Christ, who brings justice, peace and love into the world.
Living your faith should not be about proselytism (conversion); it is about being a witness. Christians are called to be more like Christ and this takes place in more places than just home and church.
I believe that an inclusive and just society needs to be open to both 'team spirit' and the Holy Spirit.
Gerard Bergie is bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines.
bishop@saintcd.com
Source:
https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/opinion-story/9435530-faith-matters-people-s-faith-cannot-be-checked-at-the-door/