Does religion divide or unite people?
It is evident from history that religion can do both. Sadly, there are many examples not
only from earlier times, but also current events that sectarian clashes and faith-based
violent extremism can be the source of much pain and suffering. But it would be
inaccurate to suggest that religion is the cause of all (or even a lot) of the disunity and
conflict in the world. On the positive side, there are many examples abroad and at home
in Canada of different religious faiths working together to promote the common good
based on shared values. This column in The Ottawa Citizen is one example of many
faith communities communicating their beliefs on common questions in open and
mutually respectful dialogue. Another very practical example is the City of Ottawa’s
Multifaith Housing Initiative. For true cooperation to exist, however, the different faiths
must agree on the freedom of every person to choose their own faith and to be free to
practice it. The Catholic Church teaches that: “the right to religious liberty is neither a
moral license to adhere to error, nor a supposed right to error, but rather a natural right
of the human person to civil liberty, i.e., immunity, within just limits, from external
constraint in religious matters by political authorities. This natural right ought to be
acknowledged in the juridical order of society in such a way that it constitutes a civil
right” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2108). When people of faith respect the
right to freedom of religion and work together based on shared values towards a
common goal, it is evident that genuine religious belief promotes tolerance, mutual
respect and reinforces the commonly held belief that we need God in our lives if we are
to be true to our God given human nature.
Fr. Geoffrey Kerslake is a priest of the Archdiocese of Ottawa
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen, July 31, 2011