Jews, Christians debate whether governments eroding religious freedom

As thousands of university students settle into their summer jobs, stories about organizations being denied Canada Summer Jobs funding by the federal government continue to be revealed.

From day camps for tots, to wilderness camps for teens, to feeding the homeless or teaching English to refugees, thousands of subsidized summer jobs are going unfilled at not-for-profit agencies, thanks to a controversial attestation the federal Liberal government insisted all applicants must check off for their application to be considered.

Many faith groups say they could not sign the attestation because they do not agree with unfettered access to abortion — something the attestation requires applicants to affirm.

Sunday, participants in an event sponsored by the Calgary Council of Christians and Jews will attempt to answer the question: “Is government action eroding religious freedom in Canada?”

“This is a question that needs to be aired,” said council president Rabbi Yisroel Miller.

“Many people seldom get to hear two sides of any controversial issue that’s presented in a respectful manner, so we’re hoping that polite disagreement in our program will model behaviour for people to emulate.”

Miller said a broad spectrum of participants will take part, including lay people, clergy, Jews, Christians, liberals and conservatives.

Rev. Ray Matheson, the council’s vice-president and the congregational care pastor at First Alliance Church in Calgary ’s southeast, said Friday that “To deny federal funding for individuals or organizations based on what those individuals or organizations believe is clearly an eroding of religious freedom in our country.”

Speakers include, Rabbi Mark Glickman, Rev. Clint Mooney, Matheson, Rochelle Rabinovitz, Miller and Robin Slater.

The event will be held Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Calgary Jewish Community Centre, 1607 90th Ave. S.W. The event is free and open to everyone.