Dear Editor:
Canada, the beautiful country we know today, has a rich Christian history which is frequently overlooked, yet absolutely fundamental in Canada’s formation.
Many of the early explorers, including Samuel de Champlain, came here with the purpose of sharing the message of Jesus. Champlain stated that when he saw the people in Canada “living without God and without religion” he determined that he “should be committing a great sin” if he “did not make it [his] business to devise some means of bringing them to the knowledge of God” .
Sadly, at the same time there were some quasi religions attempting to shape society or spread their message, which completely misrepresented the love and hope of Jesus that the churches should have been modeling. This was especially true in some cases of trying to “convert” the Indigenous peoples through the tragic residential schools. These atrocities done under the “Christian” banner have caused much confusion about Canada’s true Christian heritage and the authentic Jesus’ authentic love that brings true hope and healing.
Many of the founding Fathers of Confederation had a deeply-founded Christian faith. The Methodist politician Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley, suggested the words of Psalm 72:8, “He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the rivers to the ends of the earth” to be used in reference to the dominion of Canada. Clearly, these words held huge significance to Canada. The Canadian motto became A Mari usque ad Mare (from sea to sea), as written on the Canadian coat of arms and today remains engraved on the Peace Tower.
Additionally, Canada’s Bill of Rights, passed in 1960 states:
The Parliament of Canada, affirming that the Canadian Nation is founded upon principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, the dignity and worth of the human person and the position of the family in a society of free men…
These, with countless other examples, affirm the authority of the Bible and the influence of Christianity that founded Canada. This is the righteous foundation that we must return to.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34
By Rebecca Hein
Christian Heritage Party Candidate for Brandon-Souris
