In 2021, Canada witnessed a disturbing wave of arson attacks on churches, with numerous reports of these sacred spaces being burned or vandalized. While these heinous acts targeted Christian places of worship, the coverage in mainstream media was minimal, and law enforcement response lacked the urgency one would expect in such a grave situation. In response to the silence surrounding these attacks, the “For a Better Canada” organization arranged a peaceful protest to raise awareness and encourage solidarity among religious communities. Their goal was clear: to highlight the lack of attention and decisive action against those responsible for the arsons, and to rally people from different faiths to come together to protect religious identities across the nation.
Hindu Forum Canada (HFC) was invited to participate in this event, demonstrating the collective unity of religious communities against intolerance and violence. In a statement made at the gathering, HFC expressed its deep concern over the disturbing trend of religious intolerance, especially in light of the recent revelations about the abuse suffered by First Nations people in Canada’s Residential Schools. The HFC recognized that, while Canada was rightly reckoning with its colonial past, the violent response in the form of church burnings was unacceptable.
Hindu Forum Canada’s Statement on Religious Tolerance
“We at Hindu Forum Canada are deeply disturbed by the attacks on churches. It is disheartening to learn that some segments of society seem to approve or overlook these intolerant and horrific acts. As Hindus, we understand the pain of being marginalized, as our people also endured brutalities under colonial powers. During the Mughal invasions and Western colonization of India, millions of Hindus were massacred, our temples were desecrated, and our land was looted. Yet, throughout history, Hindus have demonstrated remarkable tolerance toward all faiths, making accommodations for religious diversity within India. Despite centuries of persecution, we have never retaliated by attacking the places of worship of other faiths.”
Hindu Forum Canada emphasized that accusations of Hindus targeting other religious communities are baseless and fabricated by a small but loud minority fueled by fanaticism. In contrast, Hindu organizations have consistently promoted peace and tolerance. “We, the Hindus, are a peace-loving people,” HFC noted. “Even though we continue to face attacks from zealots across the world, we uphold the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.”
The organization also condemned the rising wave of Hindu-phobia in Canada, noting that Hindus are often mocked by politicians, media, and even academic institutions. This growing hostility is fueled by both far-left and far-right ideologies, undermining the spirit of human rights and inclusivity that Canada strives to uphold. “We see parallels between the struggles faced by First Nations communities and the challenges Hindus face globally. Both have endured colonization and systemic violence, yet both have persisted in their efforts to preserve their cultural and religious identities.”
Solidarity with First Nations and the Need for a United Response
HFC shared its solidarity with Canada’s First Nations communities, recognizing the pain they have endured due to colonization and the Residential School system. However, the Forum made it clear that the suffering of these communities should not be exploited by political groups to justify violence against places of worship or to further marginalize them. “We condemn any attempts to politicize the pain of First Nations people for selfish gains. Instead, we advocate for healing, dialogue, and justice that promotes reconciliation and peace.”
A Call for Peaceful Protest and Religious Freedom
The peaceful protest organized by the “For a Better Canada” group stood as a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom of religion and expression. Hindu Forum Canada commended the group for taking a non-violent approach to protest, stressing that the right to worship and the right to protest are essential to maintaining Canada’s pluralistic society.
“We at Hindu Forum Canada appreciate and support this peaceful movement to defend religious freedom in Canada. We stand with all communities in this fight for the right to practice one’s faith without fear of persecution or violence. Let us work together to ensure that Canada remains a place where religious tolerance is not just a value but a way of life.”
The rise of attacks on religious institutions, be they churches, synagogues, mosques, or temples, must be met with a united front from all communities. Hindu Forum Canada’s participation in the peaceful protest signals its commitment to standing against intolerance and promoting a Canada that values religious diversity and respect.
For more details on the incidents of church burnings and their aftermath, you can explore the following articles:
A Map of Every Church Burnt or Vandalized Since the Residential School Announcements
The Woke Silence Over Church Burnings is Deafening
Canadian Church Arsons Never Stopped
By fostering understanding and mutual respect among different religious communities, Canada can confront these challenges and strengthen its foundation as a diverse, inclusive nation.
