With an election looming in Saskatchewan I write to draw your attention to two issues that are of concern to me. Both are regarding the issue of religion in government.
The first is regarding the opening of prayer in the legislature. Although I don't personally object to someone praying, I wish to state public prayer has no place within a secular government. Freedom from religious interference in governance, which would include Muslim Sharia influences, as well as Christian influences, is a hard fought battle that I feel is imperative to preserve.
Our secular constitution guarantees freedom of religion and if one religion lays claim of superiority over another, as is the case when parliament or legislature opens with a Christian prayer, it lays the groundwork for other religious claims.
Secularism has been tried and tested and it works well as a system of governance. Let's not tamper with it.
The second issue is the Christmas speech that Hon. Brad Wall made. There is a good proportion of our population that does not adhere to the Christian interpretation of what is commonly referred to as Christmas. Judaism, Muslim, Buddhism, Baha'i, Sikh, Pagan, aboriginal and non-religious people are some that come to mind for me. Even within Christianity there are a significant number of denominations, Jehovah's Witnesses for example, who do not adhere to the Christmas belief that Mr. Wall so specifically laid out for us.
Religion and non-religion are issues that are personal and I would expect more impartiality and statesmanship from our premier.
That said, as always, I do not rule out the possibility of voting for the Sask. Party in our next provincial election. With a liberal tone coming from Ottawa, a conservative balance coming from Saskatchewan is needed. One can be conservative, however, without promoting one's personal religious views and implementing them into the government.
Dan Froese
North Battleford
