We must speak out against intolerance

As a practising Christian, I find my faith tested every time I read about a church or cathedral bombing. Christian teaching dictates that we love even those who would do us harm, but this does not mean we should remain silent.

The bombing of a cathedral in the Philippines, as well as the case of Asia Bibi, are recent examples of hate directed toward Christians. In the first case worshippers were targeted for attending mass, and in the second a woman spent nearly 10 years on death row for “blasphemy.” Shockingly, after her acquittal, demonstrators took to the streets to demand her execution. Why such intensity of anger?

I am proud to live in a free country. However, we need to shine a spotlight on all victims of persecution and intolerance, wherever they may live. Violence is never the answer, and must never be tolerated. Natalie Turko-Slack, Pierrefonds