Catholic Vancouver May 01, 2024
Archbishop joins religious leaders' appeal to premier for security from hatred, violence
By The B.C. Catholic
Archbishop J. Michael Miller has added his name to an open letter to B.C. Premier David Eby from religious and cultural leaders, asking for expanded safety measures from hate-motivated behaviour targeting vulnerable groups.
The April 23 letter points to community centres, schools, businesses, and places of worship becoming targets for vandalism and disruptive protests and expresses concern that “global events” often spur local backlash against communities and diasporas.
“All communities have a right to gather safely, practice their culture, worship, and provide services to their children, seniors, families, and most vulnerable members,” the letter states.
The religious leaders highlight Premier Eby’s past efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect hospitals and health-care facilities from disruptive protests, as well as his commitment in the recent Throne Speech to ensure the safety of classrooms. “This is why we, as the leaders of different cultural and religious communities, are asking you to extend these protections to spaces that serve vulnerable members of racialized, ethnocultural, and religious communities.”
While noting that freedom of expression and peaceful protest are fundamental Canadian rights, the signatories say those rights “should never compromise the safety of those trying to practice their culture, access desperately needed services, or worship.”
The letter notes that in recent years, “we have seen the defacement of gurdwaras, mosques, churches, synagogues, and memorials to our diverse history. The aggressive actions of some have prevented us from accessing our culturally appropriate services, community centres, places of worship, and schools.”
The letter ends with the writers saying many in their communities “chose to move to B.C. and continue to live here because we value diversity and safety. We encourage you to embody these values and protect vulnerable communities from this kind of aggressive behaviour.”