Freedom, family and faith: How religion is being used by some Albertans to justify separation from Canada

Albertans who want to separate from Canada cite various reasons for wanting to leave: Economic unfairness, political alienation from Ottawa, conflicts over energy and environmental policies.

 

Some also cite faith. That's the message from the Alberta Prosperity Project, the group leading the effort to leave Canada. It says it right in its crest: Family, faith and freedom.

 

It’s also the message proclaimed by Tim Stephens, pastor of the evangelical congregation Fairview Baptist Church in Calgary. In his view, separation is supported by four biblical principles: liberty, justice, vocation and belonging.

 

I had a chance to talk to Stephens recently about his views. And I spoke with church leaders and others who feel the opposite way when it comes to mixing faith and politics in that province.

 

Read my story in Canadian Affairs.

A different lens, a bigger picture: Teacher and students share about importance of learning about other religions

In January, the Manitoba government announced a new resource for schools to address Islamophobia. Two years ago, it announced the creation of a new curriculum about the Holocaust.

Those are good things. They will help students know more about Islam and Judaism, and the challenges facing members of those groups. But I wondered: What resources are available to help students develop an even broader sense of religious literacy?

As it turns out, the province has an optional grade 12 course titled “World of Religions: A Canadian Perspective.” But not many schools use it. I was able to speak to a teacher who is teaching it, and some students who are taking the course. “It’s given me a different lens,” said one. "It gives me a bigger picture,” said another. 

Read my column here.