Canada: Panelists discuss freedom of expression at 6th annual World Religions Conference in Airdrie

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Tensions were high after an attendee stood up and said Khalid was lying when he said Islam is not a violent religion. “You are lying.”

Reverend Dave Pollard, of the Airdrie United Church, speaks about the
Christian religion at Airdrie's 6h World Religions Conference, held at the
Ramada Inn, May 7. (Photo: Airdrie Echo)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Airdrie Echo
By Dawn Smith | May 19, 2015

Abut 100 people attended Airdrie’s 6th annual World Religions Conference, held at the Ramada Inn, May 7.

The event, hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Calgary, kicked off at about 6:30 p.m. and featured three speakers who offered their perspective on freedom of expression and respect for religious sanctities.

Dr. Guillermo Barron, a philosophy instructor at Red Deer College, spoke from the athiest persective of the Brights’ Movement.

He began by saying, as a democracy, the will of the majority should be respected, but not at the expense of minority rights and that people should be able to practice their religion of choice as long as that practice doesn’t “unduly intrude” on the rights of others.

Barron also championed free speech, saying “no one has all the truth and we can learn from others, even if they’re wrong.”

He went on to address religious believers, arguing they should defend free speech for all, including internal and external critics.

Barron argued free speech that incites murder and treason, hate speech, libel and slander must be controlled. However, he argued religious leaders should oppose blasphemy laws.

He concluded by saying religious adherents either must concede “their own free speech should be limited as others is, or they will have to endure the attacks of critics—just like politicians, advertisers, professional athletes, philosophers, and the rest of us do.”

Barron used the example of Bishop Henry, who criticized homosexuality and then complained when he was criticized for hate speech.

Reverend Dave Pollard, of the Airdrie United Church, spoke from the Christian perspective saying that “moderate, peace-loving people of all faiths should be able to discuss their differences.”

Pollard said freedom of speech is central to the Christian faith, noting “the movement would have fizzled out if poeple hadn’t spoken out” when the faith was born some 2,000 years ago.

He noted society shouldn’t have the unconditional right of free speech and noted hate speech should be labelled as such. Pollard said when providing counselling to engaged couples, he often advises them to “not press the button” of their partner.

Pollard went on to say the same thing applies to those of different faiths.

“If our Muslim brothers and sisters don’t want you to depict the Prophet, don’t depict the Prophet,” he said. “It’s as simple as that.”

He finished his presentation by saying “we need to know each other, respect each other and dare I say love one another.”

Mr. Salman Khalid, a Calgary-based businessman, spoke from the Muslim perspective, noting there is a lot going on in the world that questions freedom of expression, referring to the Charlie Hebdo depiction of the Prophet that sparked violence in France in January, 2015.

He said freedom of expression falls along a spectrum that includes praise, normal talk, silence, disagreement, blasphemy, hate speech and bullying.

Khalid noted in some countries, even silence can be punished, noting there can be dire consequences for people who disagree or blaspheme against the accepted religion.

He condemned the actions of the extremists in France, explaining the Qu’ran instructs followers to walk away.

“Blasphemy should be tolerated at all costs,” he said, noting agreement is all accepted in Islam.

Hate speech and bullying, however, should be addressed by believers, he said.

The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session. Tensions were high after an attendee stood up and said Khalid was lying when he said Islam is not a violent religion. “You are lying,” he said. “The Qu’ran is the most violent book.”

Both Pollard and Khalid addressed the man, with Pollard cautioning the man that taking parts of any religious text out of context can lead to violence, noting the Bible also contains violent passages.

Another attendee stood up and said she came to the event to learn more about others, not to quarrel, for which she received applause from attendees.

The event ended with a time of socializing.


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