I read the Nov. 11 article about Archbishop Miller signing the Canadian Christian Declaration on Antisemitism with hope and anticipation that the declaration would not equate antisemitism with antizionism!

Thankfully the document does not; however, the document is an opportunity to clear the air about many confusions abounding in the media these days.

It’s interesting that the current conflict in the Middle East seems to have brought attention to this issue and resulted in the document. So many “first-world” inhabitants have no idea that the mess in Palestine has been ongoing for at least 76 years. This shows a desperate need for not only Catholics but all Westerners to be better educated about world affairs.

When that happens, people will understand that the whole issue of standing with all people who suffer prejudice is vital. Therefore, the declaration must be applied globally.

Penny Oyama
Burnaby


Re Paul Schratz’ Dec. 2 column “A divided Canada: two cities, two stances on Christianity”:

Before coming so quickly to the defence of Comfort Sakoma-Fadugba, who recently stepped down as vice chair of the Vancouver Police Board, perhaps the author should have read the post that got Ms. Sakoma-Fadugba into trouble in the first place.  

According to her post, “The Church, including the Catholic Church, now allows gay marriages, divorces, and abortion in certain circumstances.”

According to her post, “Every country on earth has a dominant religion or belief system that serves its moral compass.” 

You can debate other points in her post (for example, that we should go to India if we want to experience an event like Diwali), but the two statements above, of course, are dead wrong.

Renee Bernard
Vancouver


As deacon responsible for Sri Lankan Catholic affairs in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, I warmly invite everyone to an evening of Christmas carols, Breath of Heaven, on Dec. 8 at St. Matthew’s Church in Surrey. The Sri Lankan choir, comprising Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Catholics, exemplifies the inter-religious harmony cherished within their community.

For the first time in B.C., the choir will present a unique blend of traditional English carols alongside Sinhala and Tamil Christmas carols, marking a significant milestone for Sri Lankans in the province.

During the service, the organizing committee will honour a few individuals for their silent contributions to the Sri Lankan Canadian community in B.C. These acknowledgments will be presented by the Sri Lankan Consul General for British Columbia.

The carol service will conclude with an evening of music and dancing, featuring the Sri Lankan band The Legacy. Guests will also enjoy the warm hospitality of Sri Lanka with cake and Christmas wine served after the event.

This free event is open to the public and will take place in the gymnasium of St. Matthew’s Church, Surrey, on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, at 7 p.m. We look forward to celebrating the joy of the Christmas season together.

Deacon Peter Gomes

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