How positively refreshing to have a Prime Minister unashamed to acknowledge the contribution of Christianity to our unique Canadian heritage. He wished "all Canadians, celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ a happy Easter" and acknowledged that "Christian believers have made an indispensible contribution to the history of Canada." While these statements may come as a surprise and even be a source of irritation to those who cling to exclusively secularist ideas of what Canada is all about a little research of our nation's history vindicates the words of the Prime Minister.
If you check out the roots of Huron College and the University of Western Ontario, for example, you will find strong Christian roots typical of so many of our educational institutions. Bishop Isaac Helmuth whose portraits hang proudly on display at these schools was anything but a pioneering secularist. His significant achievements were thoroughly intertwined with a strong evangelical Anglican faith.
Our very title of "Dominion" of Canada can be traced to Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley, Premier of New Brunswick, and member of John A. MacDonald's first federal cabinet iln 1867 who got his inspiration for the title from Psalm 72:8. The Canadian Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms acknowledge the "Supremacy of God."
Most Canadians are proud of this rich heritage and in light of the recent criticisms and ridicule of some quite capable Christian parliamentarians solely because of their faith it is most gratifying to have a Prime Minister who duly appreciates and values our roots.
Gerald Hall
Parksville, B.C.
