Ontario politicians are launching a contentious public consultation over whether to join the majority of other provinces and abolish the reading of the Lord's Prayer in the legislature.
As an all-party committee prepares to hear from hundreds of faith groups, atheists, and members of the public, there is already a clear division between politicians who think opening the daily proceedings with the Lord's Prayer is outdated and those who consider it a vital part of Ontario's tradition.
Premier Dalton McGuinty set the stage for the debate in February, announcing the governing Liberals want to open daily legislative debate with a prayer that is more inclusive and reflective of Ontario's multiculturalism.
Ontario is more than just "Protestants and Catholics today," he said at the time.
Members of the public are also being asked to give their two cents through a form on the legislature's website.
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What do you think? Should the reading of the Lord's Prayer in provincial legislatures be abolished?
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As an all-party committee prepares to hear from hundreds of faith groups, atheists, and members of the public, there is already a clear division between politicians who think opening the daily proceedings with the Lord's Prayer is outdated and those who consider it a vital part of Ontario's tradition.
Premier Dalton McGuinty set the stage for the debate in February, announcing the governing Liberals want to open daily legislative debate with a prayer that is more inclusive and reflective of Ontario's multiculturalism.
Ontario is more than just "Protestants and Catholics today," he said at the time.
Members of the public are also being asked to give their two cents through a form on the legislature's website.
Full story
What do you think? Should the reading of the Lord's Prayer in provincial legislatures be abolished?
More...