girltheology

That scripture quote came to my attention this afternoon in the following letter which I received from a random couple in Regina:


"Dear Reverend,

My wife and I take this opportunity, at a critical moment in Canada's history, to encourage you to exert your influence to restore a strong and upright government for our country.

You have the responsibility for the soul welfare of others, and we entreat you as fellow-believers on our Lord Jesus Christ. We must reverse the rapid moral decline that is advancing like a cancer and overtaking our country, both in Parliament and the courts.

Our prayer is for GOD to intervene by establishing persons in Parliament who will honor and respect the opening words of our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:

"Whereas Canada is founded on principles that recognize the supremacy of God..."

We must also ACT - 'the people that do know God shall be strong, and shall act.' (Daniel 11:32)

There are MP's and candidates who share your right convictions and fear God. We urge you to motivate your members to identify who they are and help them succeed in their campaign for office. Ask the youth to be active in supporting persons who will raise the banner to protect the moral standards for oncoming generations! The future of Canada is in the balance....

January 23, 2006 is rapidly approaching, and may prove to be a point of no return if we fail our country now!

'Blessed is the nation whose god is Jehovah....' (Psalm 33: 12)

May God bless and keep you and your family,

J&A H______
Regina, SK."


WOW. Keep in mind I have no idea who these people are, but they sound to me vaguely reminiscent of the conservative Christian right in the U.S. that terrify most Canadians.

Here was my response:


"Dear Mr. & Mrs. H______,

RE: Election in Canada 2006

Thank you for your letter dated January 1, 2006. It is my hope, also, that persons elected to Canadian Parliament will be guided by their faith, regardless of tradition. Each of our religions in Canada recognizes the supremacy of God, and are guided by their own ethical principles which center on living in community, respect and dignity with each other. It is my hope that regardless of race or religion that MP's in this country will be informed by their faiths as they endeavor to make the country a better place.

I have met with the local MLA in this riding, but not the MP, and voiced my opinion that governments need to meet with leaders of religious institutions to consult about the pastoral effects of Canadian policies on its citizens. For it is religious leaders who best understand not the bottom lines but the true (and sometimes intangible) pastoral needs of Canadian constituents.

If you are interested at all, the United Church of Canada has issued a non-partisan “Federal Election Kit” for its members to inform their voting considerations. It does not tell our members how to vote, but rather outlines the official policies of the Church at a national level, and makes suggestions for how to ask questions of candidates. Our hope is that voters who belong to the United Church will then be able to make decisions about which candidate they would like to support that is based on faithful discernment. The kit is available online at http://www.united-church.ca/election/ .

If you are not United Church members, perhaps encouraging your church to pursue a similar initiative will aid you in your mission to see Canada restored to a strong and upright government. I close with the prayer included in our election kit, and thank you for your concern and the action you've taken in what I can assume is a broad outreach ministry to Saskatchewan churches.

We pray for those who seek public office
We know it is not an easy path
We give thanks for those willing to make the journey
Give them strength and passion for their work
Grant them your wisdom and counsel
Open their eyes to hear rightly the cries of those whom we have forgotten
And admonish us all when we waver in fear or in cynicism or in despair
to be vigilant in upholding them to lead the community you want
and we desire. Amen. (Written by David Pfrimmer, Waterloo Lutheran Seminary)

Yours in faith,
Carmen Lansdowne
Marengo Pastoral Charge
Intern Minister "


Now - it is my guess that perhaps these folk weren't expecting a reply back - and certainly not one from the likes of me. But I decided since they had written nothing that I could overtly contest, I would acknowledge their letter by stating my own position. In fact, I don't imagine that I can't do what they've asked me to do, although I do suspect that my theology is so entirely different from theirs it would abhor them to realize they've given me free reign over the spiritual welfare of my pastoral charge.... *grin*

I also realize that not "every" religion in Canada recognizes the supremacy of God - Buddhists and the majority of Unitarians are not theists, but given the context, I wasn't going to argue that point with these people. My point was, however, that all religions in Canada exist (in theory - sometimes the reality is far far different) for the purpose of establishing ethical consideration of how to live in this world - a set of guidelines by which to hold ourselves accountable in this world.

I wonder if these folk realize how truly "United Church" parts of their letter was.... "We must also ACT - '... the people that do know God shall be strong, and shall act.' (Daniel 11:32)" The United Church is such a social justice seeking church - that scripture verse may as well have been in our Basis of Union. And it certainly articulates the sense of advocacy we had in supporting ordination of gays, as well as same-sex marriage. We knew what we felt the Spirit calling us to do - and we acted!

The H______'s also stated that "[t]he future of Canada is in the balance...." I believe this to be true. The future of Canada is in the balance displayed by our ability to be inclusive, to be accountable for the past in a way that prepares for the future. Balance must be struck if we are to have a peaceful and righteous government which is accountable to the voters. Sometimes the pendulum swings so violently back and forth in our society I feel like it's the only thing in this world actually capable of making me motion sick. Yes.... balance would be good.

Hmmm... I wonder if this bright couple from Regina is willing to convert?

Seriously though - as diplomatic as my answer was - it was an exercise in saying "I acknowledge your position, this is my position." I have a feeling that our theologies might be diametrically opposed, but I have done and will continue to do what they have asked of me. Jokes on them that it's not what they expected. And the truth is, they are doing what I have asked of my congregations - they are not complacent, but advocating for what they believe in. It would be hypocritical of me to argue for an inclusive society if I cannot accept the beliefs which they are sharing with me in their sense of ministry. At least they are doing something - which is more than can be said for the majority of Canadian voters.

I congratulate them for being willing to take a stand, and on matters theological and political... we'll just have to agree to disagree.