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There is a movement underway to proclaim Toronto and Ontario Christian Heritage Month.
There are calls by some City Councillors for Toronto to proclaim December as Christian Heritage Month.
A motion will be considered on November 13 by City Council to decide if Toronto will join about 25 other municipalities and declare next month as Christian Heritage Month.
Some residents warn that it is not a good idea with the large amount of hate crime taking place in the City due to the war in the Middle East.
They said the proclamation, if approved, will lead to calls from other groups as Muslims, Jewish, Hindu and others for their own religions to be officially proclaimed.
The motion by Councillor Nick Mantas, seconded by Councillor Frances Nunziata, said ‘Christianity is the most followed religion in our country, with more than half of the Canadian population identifying as members of the Christian faith.’
Christian Heritage Month has been adopted in about 25 municipalities in Ontario.
“The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms even mentions God in its very first sentence,” it stated, adding in December, Christians around the world prepare for their annual celebrations commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ; also known as Christmas.
“During this time, Christian faith groups utilize literature, art, music, gastronomy, and architecture to tell the stories of Jesus and his compassion, love, acceptance and the Good News of the Gospel he brought,” they said.
The motion said December is associated with the tradition of gift giving and gathering of family, friends, and people of all faiths. Christian organizations and places of worship offer religious services.
These are ‘initiatives that highlight a strong Christian heritage during the month of December.’
They said some municipalities which have proclaimed December as Christian Heritage Month includes: Ajax, Aurora, Bradford, Caledon, Clarington, Durham Region, Markham, Brampton, Milton, Mississippi Mills, Orillia and Ottawa.
Other areas with the heritage month also includes Pickering, Rideau Lakes, Sudbury, Wainfleet, Welland, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Prince George, Whistler, Red Deer and Okotos.