I almost never wear a cross. It’s not cause I don’t love Jesus, I do. It’s because I got out of the habit of doing so and never found it necessary for the sharing of the Gospel. Regardless of what I am or am not wearing people usually seem to find me if they need me or are looking for something. It’s one of those weird quirky things that comes with being a minister. When I was in seminary I wore a cross all the time. It was in a way a form of protection. There were days in seminary where I wasn’t certain God was there and I needed solid reminders of his presence and promise.
Today though I am wearing a cross. I woke up this morning and felt utterly compelled to. I blame the Quebec Charter of Values.
As a human being I am offended and insulted by this Charter of Values. Why can we not accept one another and love each other regardless of our beliefs and ideas. I fail to see how someone wearing a hijab, turban, yarmulke or larger-than-average crucifix is hurting society or causing problems in the workplace. While society may be secular, people are individuals and as long as they are doing their job what does it matter what they wear or how they demonstrate their faith? I really feel for those who will be forced into making a choice between their job and their faith.
Premier Pauline Marois said ”…I think we need to set clear guidelines for how we live together” and I agree. Clearly we do need guidelines for how we live together. Living together implies acceptance, tolerance and understanding in my book. These symbols of faith are not just symbols but in fact an expression of who people fundamentally are. Asking people to hide that part of themselves and tuck it away while at work is saying we do not value you, nor do we accept you.
Today I wear my cross because I can and others cannot. The freedom I have to express my faith and even have faith in the first place is one I am grateful for.
