IN THEORY
Q: A 14-year-old girl in Ontario was reportedly expelled from a Christian school last week because her parents are lesbians. What do you think of this decision?
A: This is a freedom of expression issue. The school is freely expressing itself through its policies while the couple does the same by placing (and now removing without contest) the student at this school. When incidents such as this occur, we need to discuss the bigger issues which are touching and shaping our society. In this case, we should look at the proliferation of private schools, which is an indictment of the public school system. Isn't it odd that a lesbian couple would place their student in a school which is intolerant of their lifestyle?Obviously, they're doing so for reasons other than dogmatic ones. I venture to say that many families who opt for a private school do so for the structure (discipline) and environment (safety) that they do not find in the public system.
Rather than spending our resources on debating whether the words "under God" should be recited in the school, or whether the cross should be depicted on the seal, or what constitutes domestic partnership, we should be looking at the underlying themes that are the foundation of all true religions. God is much more than a word to be feared; it is the power of love. The cross is not just a symbol but a way of life defined by sacrifice. Partnership is a commitment.
Neither the lesbian couple nor the school was slighted in this story. You can only feel bad for the student and other children who get caught in debates rather than understanding. If anything is to come of this story, it should be a look at our public policies, starting at the school level, and find how respect, tolerance, understanding and cooperation are not specific to sexual rights, but are the basis for our growth as a society.
FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN St. Peter Armenian Church and Youth Ministries Center Glendale |
Saints
1 year ago
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