The Renfrew County Faith Leaders have sent an open letter regarding hate speech to the transgender community. The group says the hate has made its way from the United States to Canada, including Renfrew County. The group of faith leaders in Renfrew County say that misinformation and rumors’ are fueling fear and hatred for a community of people that is already marginalized in our society. With today being International Transgender Day of Visibility, the group is sending a message of love and support to their transgender neighbours, colleagues, and friends.
The letter states “in Canada, we have the freedom to stand up for the persecuted of the world. Our hearts should ache for every victim of hate, regardless of their diversity, because our faith values love and justice above all.”
“Our faith calls us not to discriminate nor to tolerate discrimination against anyone; not to hate nor to tolerate hatred against anyone. We believe that “Hate crimes contribute to disunity in society, compromise democratic values, and maintain inequality. They send an explicit message that entire groups of citizens are unworthy of respect, lack redeeming characteristics and are worthy of contempt. This erodes the very fabric of the communities that we all live in.”
• The Clergy Team of The Anglican Parish of the Valley:
The Rev. Matthew Brown — Incumbent and Regional Dean of Pembroke
The Rev. Gillian Hoyer — Associate Incumbent
The Rev. Nicholas Forte — Associate Incumbent
The Rev. Claire Bramma — Assistant Curate
The Rev. Canon John Wilker-Blakley — Interim Associate Priest
The Rev. Richard Durrett — Interim Associate Priest
• The Venerable Patrick Stephens, Incumbent and Archdeacon of Pembroke: St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Deep River
• Fr. John Stopa, Rector: St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Renfrew and Parish of Emmanuel Anglican Church, Arnprior
• Rev. Ingrid Condie-Bennett and the Congregation of Grace United Church, Cobden and the Congregation of Zion United Church, Douglas
• Rev. Susan DeHaan and the Congregation of St. Andrew’s United Church, Chalk River
• Rev. Kevin Moratz and the Beachburg Pastoral Charge (St Andrew’s United Church, Beachburg and Trinity United Church, Foresters Falls)
• Rev. James Murray and the Congregation of Trinity-St. Andrew’s United Church, Renfrew
• Rev. Amanda Alley and Rev. Sheldon Alley and the Congregation of Deep River Community Church, Deep River
• Rev. Tiina Cote and the Congregation of Calvin United Church, Pembroke
(Written by: Kyle Robinson)