Readers Speak Out: November 15, 2020

Racism virus

Regardless of what readers wish to believe (Sept. 27 letter to the editor), Canada houses untold examples of systemic racism. Now more than ever, partly due perhaps to the total disrespect for individuals of other races and beliefs as demonstrated by the present leadership to our south, violent acts of racism occur far too often in this country/province/city of ours. As Pope Francis states in Fratelli Tutti: “God has created all human beings equal in rights, duties and dignity.” 

I am writing to thank The Register for the coverage given to the teachings of Pope Francis and so many well-educated scholars who express their deep concern that we “fight the virus of racism” as expressed by Fr. Peter Bisson, S.J. (Oct. 25). We need to listen to those who have experienced racism, have found their voices and are sharing their stories. How difficult it is to imagine that our Indigenous brothers and sisters in northern Ontario today, live without clean drinking water, promised some 25 years ago. Congratulations to those responsible for the installation of the Indigenous healing garden and to The Register for the coverage it has provided on taking steps to heal this dark past.

Catherine von Zuben,

Thornhill, Ont.

Dedicated mission

Re: Timely phone calls re-focus our mission (Oct. 25):

A few months ago, I saw Deacon Robert Kinghorn speaking on The Daily TV Mass and he impressed me as being a sincere follower of Christ. In his latest article he shows great dedication to his mission of providing spiritual friendship to rejected and forgotten people “on the street.” 

He’s involved in an extremely challenging endeavour given the large number of poor souls who wander about Toronto suffering from a vast array of problems. It would be easier for him to focus on enjoying a comfortable life, but it’s clear he loves God and humanity too much to do that. Instead, by seeking out and offering spiritual comfort to those people whom others usually want to avoid, he’s chosen the way of the cross.

Claudio Ceolin,

Toronto

No respect

Re: Protesters target churchgoers in Poland over abortion ruling:

In Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal’s ruling against abortion, President Julia Przylebska descibed the act as an unconscionable “denial” of an unborn child’s right to “respect and (the) protection of human dignity.” Hasn’t this been the problem all along? Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki aptly stated that in order to have human rights, “You must first be alive.”

To a communist, fascist or even a pragmatist, the dead have no rights. Every abortion conflict proves the complete disregard secular people have towards God’s commandments and the sanctity of human life even before conception. They would tell us that the unborn are like the dead in that both lack the essence of life.

Christopher Mansour,

Barrie, Ont.

Difficult chore

Re: Regis, St. Mike’s alliance in works (Oct. 25):

Your report announcing the amalgamation of two prestigious Toronto centres of advanced theological study is notable. In retirement I worked with charities struggling with declining attendance and finances. While merging sounded simple, melding different cultures was difficult. 

Dr. David Sylvester should be commended for bringing together two neighbouring institutes by emphasizing and building upon their respective strengths.

Norman W. Stefnitz,

Burlington, Ont.