Judge revokes right to distribute bibles to immigrants
http://www.canadianchristianity.com/cgi-bin/na.cgi?nationalupdates/040623jud
 
By Audrey Martin
"HOLY BOOKS" may no longer be displayed at citizenship ceremonies or distributed to new immigrants, following a June 15 decision by senior citizenship judge Michel Simard.

This directly affects groups such as the Canadian Bible Society, which has offered Bibles to immigrants at citizenship ceremonies for more than 50 years. A formal agreement to distribute Bibles to those who were interested -- on a strictly volunteer basis -- was formalized in an agreement between the society and the Canadian government in 1998.

In his letter to the organization, Simard stated: "over the last couple of years we have become concerned that the presence of Canadian Bible Society members may be perceived as sending a message . . . concerning the relationship between the Government and a religious institution . . . and could be construed as a tacit endorsement of certain religions."

In his decision, Simard said Canada is a multicultural nation, where freedom of religion is guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms -- and that allowing holy books to be made available at citizenship ceremonies detracts from this message.

However, Phyllis Nesbitt, national director of the society, questioned this logic. "When does excluding Bibles from citizenship courts equate with freedom of religion?" she asked.

"The ruling is less about freedom of religion and more an indicator of declining spiritual fervour. This great nation of Canada was built on a strong religious foundation. To deny holy books at citizenship cermonies reinforces secular, irreligious philosophies rather than undergirding religious freedoms."

Nesbitt also said she did not understand why Simard reneged on the existing agreement, "particularly since there was no prior consultation."

Nesbitt has already sent a reply to Simard, expressing the disappointment of their constituents and "MPs from several provinces" -- and requesting that the recent decision be reconsidered.

The letter states that because all holy books had been permitted in the Citizenship Court, it was multi-cultural and not exclusive as Simard had stated.

Society spokesman Barry Doyle said the issue extends beyond Bible distribution, and raises concerns regarding what it might mean for spiritual issues in Canada. "We are taking a careful look and seeking clarification as to the timing of this. Why now?"

Simard was appointed in June 2003 by the Honourable Denis Coderre, Minister of Citizenship.

The Canadian Bible Society has operated in Canada for 98 years, and is currently participating in the commemoration of 200 years of Bible society activities around the world.

By Audrey Martin

"HOLY BOOKS" may no longer be displayed at citizenship ceremonies or distributed to new immigrants, following a June 15 decision by senior citizenship judge Michel Simard.

This directly affects groups such as the Canadian Bible Society, which has offered Bibles to immigrants at citizenship ceremonies for more than 50 years. A formal agreement to distribute Bibles to those who were interested -- on a strictly volunteer basis -- was formalized in an agreement between the society and the Canadian government in 1998.

In his letter to the organization, Simard stated: "over the last couple of years we have become concerned that the presence of Canadian Bible Society members may be perceived as sending a message . . . concerning the relationship between the Government and a religious institution . . . and could be construed as a tacit endorsement of certain religions."

In his decision, Simard said Canada is a multicultural nation, where freedom of religion is guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms -- and that allowing holy books to be made available at citizenship ceremonies detracts from this message.

However, Phyllis Nesbitt, national director of the society, questioned this logic. "When does excluding Bibles from citizenship courts equate with freedom of religion?" she asked.

"The ruling is less about freedom of religion and more an indicator of declining spiritual fervour. This great nation of Canada was built on a strong religious foundation. To deny holy books at citizenship cermonies reinforces secular, irreligious philosophies rather than undergirding religious freedoms."

Nesbitt also said she did not understand why Simard reneged on the existing agreement, "particularly since there was no prior consultation."

Nesbitt has already sent a reply to Simard, expressing the disappointment of their constituents and "MPs from several provinces" -- and requesting that the recent decision be reconsidered.

The letter states that because all holy books had been permitted in the Citizenship Court, it was multi-cultural and not exclusive as Simard had stated.

Society spokesman Barry Doyle said the issue extends beyond Bible distribution, and raises concerns regarding what it might mean for spiritual issues in Canada. "We are taking a careful look and seeking clarification as to the timing of this. Why now?"

Simard was appointed in June 2003 by the Honourable Denis Coderre, Minister of Citizenship.

The Canadian Bible Society has operated in Canada for 98 years, and is currently participating in the commemoration of 200 years of Bible society activities around the world.