Stood fast to his word

Page 5

Dear Editor:

I am deeply saddened over the passing of John Paul II. I was raised a Catholic, but am a lapsed Catholic as I am a proud two-spirited First Nations man. Because of this, I am in conflict with the official church teachings on homosexuality.

I also stopped practicing because of all that was done to my Native people by the church in the name of God. But, underneath all of this, I still consider myself Catholic.

I respect Pope John Paul II for what he represented. I understand Catholicism and I understand why he couldn't back down on the church's teachings on issues like abortion and homosexuality. I might not personally agree with all of what he stood for, but I wouldn't have expected any less from such a powerful leader.

He stood up for what he believed to be the dignity of every individual and helped remind us that there is more to life than this. He helped lift our eyes up and did all he could to help us be the best we could be.

We have a saying from my Tlingit people which is "iguiaxwan," which means "do your best." That is what he said to the world. And that is what I say to him as he begins his final journey.

Iguiaxwan John Paul II. Gunalchish (thank you) for your life!

Duane Ghastant' Aucoin

Vancouver, B.C.