http://www.yorkregion.com/topic/markhammosque
The following letter was re-posted from:
http://www.yorkregion.com/news/article/1282033--traffic-study-s-credibility-questioned
With respect to the proposed Mosque in Markham:
We the undersigned, stewards and followers of Jesus who calls us to love our neighbours as ourselves, respect and welcome the freedom of all people to assemble and worship. This is an important and fundamental principle outlined in the second section of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
(a) freedom of conscience and religion;
(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and
(d) freedom of association.
It is with this understanding and in the Spirit of Grace, that we affirm the right of Muslim believers to assemble and worship; just as many other groups have found that freedom in prior years. We may have different beliefs, but we are all part of this great nation of Canada.
We realize that there may be other issues and concerns related to any new development in our community. We do not minimize those concerns. We simply express our openness and hospitality to people of all faiths and religions. We pray for our elected officials and our diverse community.
May God continue to be honoured and all people respected in our town.Pastor Lois Bukar, Wideman Mennonite Church
Liz Brasier-Ackerman, Associate Pastor, Rouge Valley Mennonite Church
Rev. Brian Childs, The Bridge
Rev. Dr. Ken Davis, The Olive Branch Community Church
Graham Gaessler, Lead Pastor, Markham Missionary Church
Pastor Floyd Grunau, Christian & Missionary Alliance
Reverend Gary Harder, Interim pastor, Hagerman Mennonite Church
Rev. Stephen Kern, St. Phillips on the Hill, Anglican
Andrew Lau, Lead Pastor, Cornerstone Christian Community Church
Rev. Peter Ma, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Markham
Pastor Paul Mo, Markham Chinese Mennonite Church
Pastor Pieter Niemeyer, Rouge Valley Mennonite Church
Captain the Rev. Dr. John S. Niles, St Andrew's United Markham
Pamela Roth, St. Patrick Parish
Rev. Craig Rumble, Markham Baptist Church
Rev. Gordon Timbers, Minister, Unionville Presbyterian Church
Pastor Ken Wellington, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada
