Kowalski owes church an apology

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Pikiskwe

BLast week Kowalski found himself backtracking on comments made about the United Church of Canada and the Oldman River Project. His remarks about the United Church and the cancellation of the opening festivities of the Oldman Dam were that of a blustering, angry politician.

The United Church should demand an apology from Ken Kowalski for intimating the church was part of a conspiracy involving threats of violence.

I think the church should be applauded for their pro-active Christian stance on aboriginal and environmental concerns.

The church, through Reverend Bill Phipps and others, has organized effective lobbying groups beginning with the Friends of the North to the Old Man River Project. Both projects are attempts to right some injustices by using established political means. They, unlike Ken Kowalski, do not use government money to promote political events.

The church's involvement for aboriginal people does not stop there. A few weeks ago I attended an ordination service of the United Church for four aboriginals. The new ministers are Rev. Sandy Scott, Rev. Allan Sinclair, Rev. Solomon Meekis and Rev. Raymond Eaglestick.

All took a program offered at the Jesse Saulteaux Centre in Manitoba. Currently there are about 30 aboriginal ministers in training in the program.

The church has supported the Native people who are members to form their own conference. The All Native Circle Conference is comprised of all the Native congregations in Canada. They are encouraged to hold services using their own language and methods of worship.

This August may mark a new milestone for Aboriginal people and the church. Rev. Stan McKay, a Cree Indian from Fisher River, Manitoba is in the running for Moderator. The Moderator is the religious head of the church in Canada. Rev. McKay holds two doctorates, from the University of Montreal and the University of Winnipeg. The Cree-speaking man from Fisher River will have a lot to offer the church.

Ken Kowalski criticizes a church because of its commitment to rectifying old wrongs against aboriginal people and supporting groups and individuals for environmental concerns may be seen as interference in church policy. Whatever his reasons, his attack on this peaceful organization may be his political undoing.