Notice on Current Federal Legislation

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Once again, it is necessary to make the Body of Christ at St. Silouan Orthodox Church aware of certain current movements within our federal government that call for our thoughtful attention and prayerful engagement.
There are two legislative matters presently before Parliament that raise serious moral concerns and invite our responsible participation as Christians and citizens.

Bill C-9: Religious Freedom and the Expansion of “Hate Crime” Legislation
Bill C-9 has now passed two readings in Parliament. It is being introduced as legislation intended to protect individuals and groups from so-called “hate crimes.”

The Church unequivocally condemns all immoral behavior that seeks to harass, harm, threaten, or incite violence against any person or group. Such actions are contrary to the Gospel and to the dignity of the human person created in the image of God. We also recognize that Canada already possesses laws that protect individuals and communities from violence and genuine threats motivated by hatred.

However, Bill C-9 proposes an expansion of existing legal definitions that is potentially broad and open to interpretation. There is concern that sincerely held religious beliefs particularly traditional Christian moral teachings could be mischaracterized as “hate” and thus rendered unlawful.

This kind of legal overreach raises serious concerns for freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and freedom of expression, which are essential to human dignity and a healthy society. While violence and the incitement of harm must always remain illegal and morally repugnant, attempts to legislate beliefs or thoughts move beyond the proper role of the state and are themselves morally troubling.

For further information, you may read the press release from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops here:
https://www.cccb.ca/media-release/proposed-restrictions-on-religious-freedom-bill-c-9/



Bill C-218: Protecting the Vulnerable from Expansion of MAiD
Bill C-218 is a private member’s bill currently being introduced to place limits on euthanasia (Medical Assistance in Dying, or MAiD) by making it illegal for MAiD to be administered solely on the basis of mental illness.

Any society that presents death as a form of compassion for those who suffer is, in a profound way, wounding itself. Rather than offering medically assisted suicide to those struggling with mental illness, we are called to seek truly compassionate responses. Care that accompanies, supports, heals, and restores hope.

The Christian vision calls us to create spaces that do not turn away from suffering, but instead embrace the vulnerable with patience, love, and concrete support, helping them return when possible to stability, dignity, and life. The Church cannot remain silent as our country risks diving headlong into abandoning the weakest among us, the poorest of the poor, the little ones who belong to Christ.

More information on the need to support Bill C-218 can be found here:
https://www.catholicregister.org/item/3006-bill-c-218-supporters-fight-expanded-m-ai-d

All parishioners are encouraged to prayerfully consider these matters and contact their Members of Parliament to express their concerns respectfully and thoughtfully.

Find you MP's contact information here
https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en

​May the Lord grant us wisdom, courage, and compassion as we seek to remain faithful to the Gospel while engaging the world around us.