To the editor of
The National Post
RE: New Alberta Education Minister, and former pastor, ignites 'progressive left' backlash with appointment (September 17, 2014)
The presumption that religious affiliation should disqualify someone from public service raises the specter of a new form of religious test for public office. Canada historically avoided imposing religious tests on those seeking political office, with the understanding that to impose a test was bigoted, prejudiced and discriminatory. It is not the religious but the secular who have appointed themselves the thought police and prejudge someone’s competence and suitability because of their religious affiliation. The true test of one’s suitability is their commitment to the shared political principles that guide all levels of governments in the service of the public good. People of various faiths, both religious and the secular equivalents, have demonstrated their ability to serve in the public interest in a multi-cultural and religiously plural Canada.
Sincerely,
Bruce J. Clemenger
President, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada