Readers Speak Out: July 10 - 17, 2022

Government watch

In his June 26 article “Canada flagged for religious freedom watch list,” Quinton Amundson explains why some Ohio lawmakers want to add Canada to a list of countries in which religious freedom is at risk. The concern arose from repeated pandemic-related closure of places of worship in 2020 and 2021.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Canadian politicians announced only “essential services” would be allowed to operate. They decided abortion qualified as an essential service, but public worship of God did not. In both cases, they were out of their jurisdiction.

Decisions about the value of human life and divine worship are on the order of faith and morals and belong to the Catholic Church.

Lise Anglin

Toronto

Enough said

What a disrespectful editorial on June 26 about Pope Francis’ directive to Catholic theologians!

Ann Neysmith

Toronto

Hip lip service

The Register is to be commended for focusing on the efforts of TCDSB teacher Michael Grandsoult to reach and teach disempowered students through hip hop. But while Grandsoult encourages his students to find their voice through the human rights themes occasionally present in hip hop, no responsible educator can or should ignore its very dark side.

Hip hop, both in music and video, is saturated with violence and sexual exploitation. It glorifies contempt for women, gang warfare, drug and alcohol use.

While I’m sure Grandsoult steers clear of these themes in his classroom, their omnipresence in hip hop means his students — at least in their private listening habits — are regularly exposed to hypersexuality and degradation. Given that, saying “every child can feel loved” by means of hip hop pays lip service to the ideals of Catholic education.

Michael Otis 

Newmarket, Ont.

Irish outreach

Having grown up in Ireland, I noted with interest Sarah MacDonald’s article on the state of the Catholic Church in Ireland.

I want to point out that over the centuries, the Church in Ireland has gone through many cycles. For example, in 1800 attendance at Mass was estimated at less than 30 per cent. 

I recently viewed a wonderful homily by Archbishop Reilly where he praised the work of Irish missionaries across the world. He said the challenge today is to use this missionary zeal at home. I believe he got this right and am optimistic the Irish people will respond positively. It may take a generation or two to see the fruits of their labours. This is called outreach. Canada needs to pay attention.

Gerard Walsh

Port Elgin, Ont.

Coal cash

Cathy Lacroix’s June 12 letter to the editor criticizes the government’s apparent apathetic approach to climate change. She quotes Catholic social teaching and Pope Francis in support.

There is little the government can do to reduce pollution surging in China, India and other countries with their increasing use of coal. Canada’s meagre attempt at climate control is more of a political placebo to satisfy political supporters. If we are serious about climate change, it is imperative we provide poorer nations funds to eliminate their liberal use of coal. Giving of our abundance to those who have less is the essence of Catholic social teaching and a true reflection of Francis’ pontificate

J.E. Sequeira

Pointe Claire, Que.