Ambassador of Religious Freedom named to new role
OTTAWA, ON–The newly appointed ambassador for Canada's Office of Religious Freedom says religious persecution can cause barriers when it comes to addressing other human rights.
"If you aren't free to believe, it is very hard to [obtain] other rights," says Andrew Bennett. Religious persecution is increasing, he adds. "This is fundamentally a human issue, it's not about a theological debate."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently appointed Bennett, a scholar and dean of Augustine College, a Christian liberal arts school in Ottawa, as ambassador for the Office of Religious Freedom. Under Bennett's leadership the office will meet with, and advocate on behalf of, persecuted groups around the world, as well as raise awareness of religious persecution.
"This is part of what Canada has always stood for," says Bennett. "Canada has a long legacy of upholding human rights around the world."
Don Hutchinson, vice presidentof the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, says Canada's voice will be heard because Canada is recognized as a strong, pluralist democracy.
"I see the office establishing a centralized place where Canadians with concerns about religious freedoms can contact the government," says Hutchinson. "I am hopeful that [the office] will establish a greater understanding of religion and its importance throughout the world."
The creation of the office has spurred criticism from some who say the Harper government is trying to make religion a focus of foreign policy, or that it will focus exclusively on the Christian faith.
Hutchinson advises caution. "It's important to give the office an opportunity to get up and running before assessing it, rather than assessing it first," he says.
As reported by CTV, Prime Minister Harper has said he wants to make it "very clear that this is not an office to protect a particular religion."
"This is an office to promote religious diversity and tolerance around the world."
Hutchinson says Bennett's background as an Eastern Roman Catholic brings strength to his position as ambassador.
"Bennett's faith and history of working with people of different faith expressions will serve to inform him with an understanding of the importance of faith to individuals, as well as to religious communities," he says.
Bennett says his faith will be central in fulfilling this role.
"I am very open that I am a man of the Christian faith," Bennett says. "My faith gives me an understanding of others' faith and the dignity of every human being. As a Christian, I am called to see the image of God in every person."
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