FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pat O’Brien
President, Humanist Canada
humanist.canada@gmail.com
www.HumanistCanada.com
WHY ARE CHURCHES ABOVE THE LAW?
Vancouver, BC, June 4, 2009 – Mikhail Lennikov, the ex-KGB agent who was to be deported back to Russia yesterday for “security reasons” has found refuge in a local Lutheran church. Apparently the church has been preparing for this for months according to Richard Hergesheimer of the First Lutheran Church.
The question Humanist Canada wants answered is: how can churches conspire to shelter criminals and those who have deportation orders against them without facing criminal charges themselves?
“When did churches become asylums for criminals? What special status in society do they have that they can be above the law?” asked Humanist Canada president Pat O’Brien.
“For years the Catholic Church was above reproach and given special privileges to care for children who were wards of the state. Look where that led. What is the end game for church sanctuary? Could one of the Bacon brothers or another gang member wanted by the law hide out in a church to avoid arrest? Where does this all end?”
Humanist Canada is calling on the federal government to put an end to this exclusive privilege and to force churches to abide by the law.
O’Brien states that although Humanist Canada empathizes with Mr. Lennikov and his family, the law must be respected. Churches do not, and should not, enjoy special privileges. They are not above the law.
Founded in 1968, Humanist Canada is the only 100% Canadian national association that advocates reason, ethics, dignity and equality. Its mission is to promote the separation of religion from public policy and foster the development of reason, compassion and critical thinking for all Canadians through secular education and community support.
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Pat O’Brien
President
