School war in Newfoundland.

The Liberal government with its large majority in the House of Commons could do it all by itself. Prime Minister Jean Chretien and Justice Minister Allan Rock are determined to see to it. Do what? you ask. Take away the rights of Catholics, Pentecostals and others in Newfoundland to their constitutionally guaranteed schools.

The war on Christianity was begun by Nfld. Premier Clyde Wells (who recently announced his retirement) and carried to initial victory with a vote of 54% to 46% in a September 5, 1995 referendum (with a low voter-turnout of 32%). The referendum called for the removal of the constitutional guarantees embedded in Newfoundland's 1948 Terms of Union with Canada (Section 17) and in the Canadian Constitution of 1982. The first decisive step is to seek Parliament's approval.

Please, don't have any illusions. Prime Minister Jean Chretien and Justice Minister Allan Rock are both ruthlessly secular, despite their supposed Catholicism. Rock also intends to seek protection for sodomy under the Canada Human Rights Act and for the killing of the sick and elderly by removing the current prohibition against euthanasia.

As for denominational schools, if they are successful with one province, there is nothing to stop them doing it to the others. As Nfld. Education Minister Chris Decker, ex-United Church Minister noted, a lot of people are afraid of freedom from religion. But he himself is a main contributer to this fear. Please write your local Member of Parliament now, telling him or her to oppose the accomodation of the Newfoundland proposal.

Let's halt the de-Christianization of Canada! Let them know we are tired of being pushed around. Don't let this one slip by. Also tell your local teachers and trustees to stop sitting by in silence.