Desecrating the Church
Dr. Charles McVety
President, Canada Christian College

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon is desecrating the Church and other faiths by ignoring religious rights to its sacred and Holy Institution of Marriage as protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The government has no right to defile a religious term and ordinance.

The Church reserves its rights to maintain its institution as defined by its leaders over the centuries. Clergy across the country are outraged over the Government's attempt to violate the sanctity of Marriage. The government frequently quotes the Constitution Act of 1867 as its basis for powers over Marriage. In Section 91 the Constitution gives the Federal government the right to make laws in respect to Marriage and Divorce. However the Constitution does not give the House of Commons the right to subvert religion and redefine a Church ordinance.

The fact that the Government of Canada never has redefined Marriage reaffirms its limitations. The separation of Church and State is in jeopardy. By redefining Marriage the government is dictating the precious foundation of the Church. The ideal of separation is to keep the state from legislating religion as in the Middle East and of 18th Century Europe. McVety questioned if redefinition of other ordinances such as baptism and communion are next on the agenda. Clergy nationwide are now going to advise their congregations to vote against Members of Parliament who desecrate Marriage. Once the Government attacks the Church they give the Church the right to remove the shackles of Charity regulations and direct their members to vote for those who will preserve the viability of the Church. By attacking the Church the Government may have awakened a sleeping giant. Free speech will once again be permitted in the places of worship from coast to coast. Pastors, priests, bishops, rabbis, spiritual leaders and television hosts will be free to participate in democracy.

If the ten million Canadian worshippers vote in one particular direction the outcome will not be in doubt. On Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Charities website in section 14.3 - "Permitted political activities" it is clear that Charities can engage in political activities. "A charity may seek to influence public opinion on an issue that relates to the way it achieves its purposes, based on a position that is well-reasoned, to retain, oppose or change the law, current policy or decisions of any level of government in Canada." They also state "A charity may organize a public meeting or lawful demonstration to gain support for its point of view regarding existing or proposed law or policy or decisions of any level of government in Canada".

Prime Minister Jean Chretien previously announced that he would work to protect religious rights. By announcing legislation that will desecrate Marriage Mr. Chretien has broken his promise and defiled religion. The Clergy of Canada now are planning to reach out to millions of voters who attend church weekly. Once this constituency expresses its will it will be unlikely any Member of Parliament or Provincial legislature will be able to be reelected once guilty of invading the domain of the Church and desecrating the Holy Institution of Marriage.