Around Town: ‘Our civic participation,’ loving Sikhs, two MAiD conversations . . .

Archbishop Michael Miller at the synod in Rome. Photo: Synod.va

Roman Catholic Archbishop Michael Miller is no doubt quite preoccupied these days, as he is taking part in the second session of the Synod on Synodality (‘Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome’) all month. (I wrote about last year’s meetings here.)

But he took time out October 10 to address his “Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ” at home about the importance of taking time to participate in BC’s October 19 election.

He wrote:

A provincial election is a rare and important opportunity for British Columbians to directly influence the direction of government. It is a time to prayerfully discern how to exercise our civic responsibilities and put our Christian values into action in ways that aren’t possible in the years between elections.

It is disappointing that many Catholics have chosen to stay home on election day in recent years. Polls show that we vote less than our secular counterparts, giving them a greater influence than we do over the government responsible for more than five million people who live in this province. . . .

No party perfectly aligns with the needs of British Columbia, and only you can decide which candidate is best suited to bring your values to the legislature, whether as an independent or a member of a political party. But our civic participation, particularly on election day, is essential.

Go here for the full letter.

Loving Sikhs

The Canadian government has expelled six Indian diplomats. An October 15 CBC News report stated:

[Prime Minister Justin Trudeau] spoke to reporters Monday, hours after the head of the RCMP laid out stunning allegations accusing agents of the Indian government of playing a role in “widespread violence” in Canada, including homicides, and warned that it poses “a serious threat to our public safety.”

Members of the Sikh community are particularly concerned. The report added,

Tensions flared last year when Trudeau announced in the House of Commons that Canada had evidence linking Indian agents to the killing of Canadian Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi has denied the allegation.

So, this is a good time for Christians to learn more about the Sikh community, and that will happen this Sunday afternoon during Understanding and Loving Sikhs at Peace Portal Alliance Church:

Join us on October 20th for lunch, as we hear from Isaac Munnalall, an adjunct speaker for Apologetics Canada, who will help us grow in our understanding of Sikhs.

This event is designed to bring awareness and training as we think of how to love, interact and engage the Sikh community with the gospel.

Go here to register.

MAiD conversations

We will have two good opportunities to think through issues related to MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) in the near future – one this weekend and one in mid-November:

• Changing Debate on Euthanasia (MAiD) in Canada

St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Langley will host Changing Debate on Euthanasia (MAiD) in Canada Friday evening (October 18):

Alex Schadenberg, the executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, will give a presentation on the overall situation in Canada on euthanasia (MAiD) in 2024.

The statistics are frightening. Mr. Schadenberg will discuss how far we have come in a few short years to making euthanasia routine and acceptable, illustrating his presentation with real-life stories. He will also touch on the current court cases, including St. Paul’s Hospital.

Register here for this free event.

• Not Alone: Conversations About MAiD

The second gathering will be hosted at two North Vancouver churches. Not Alone: Conversations About MAiD will take place November 15 – 16 (Friday evening, Saturday morning):