(Dreamstime)

By Gaetz Memorial United Church, Affirm & Acknowledgement Team

Op-Ed

Gaetz Memorial United Church ‘disappointed’ in Catholic trustee’s Pride related ‘brainwashing’ comments

Sep 12, 2023 | 3:35 PM

Dear Editor,

We are writing to express our disappointment in the behaviour of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools Trustee Monique LaGrange.

She recently posted an image to her personal Facebook Story comparing young people celebrating gender and sexual diversity to young Nazis. The caption said, “Brainwashing is brainwashing.”

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As an openly affirming church in Red Deer, we reject the notion of LaGrange’s post. To suggest the queer community is brainwashed and brainwashing others is wrong. We believe that God’s Love is extended to everyone regardless of gender identities, expressions, and sexual orientation and as the hands and feet of God in the world, we need to show this Love to all.

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We are pleased to see the swift action taken by the Board of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, which released a statement saying LaGrange’s post “does not align with the principles and values that guide our division.” And, further, that “Our division is committed to fostering learning environments that are inclusive, respectful, and considerate of all members of our schools and community.”

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In addition, Alberta Education Minister Demetrois Nicolaides expressed disappointment in LaGrange’s post, saying “no one should have to live in fear of violence, discrimination or exclusion. All students deserve to feel safe and welcome in schools across the province.” We are encouraged to see those in positions of authority respond quickly to this matter, stating clearly and concisely a position of inclusion and respect for all people.

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As an elected official, LaGrange’s personal comments hurt those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It is important to remember that the words of our elected officials do not go out into a void. Their words land on the ears and hearts of the people, of our friends, family, and neighbours. Trustee LaGrange’s words sow seeds of division, rejection, and narrow-mindedness toward the gender and sexually diverse 2SLGBTQ+ community. Now that these words have been said, we hope the Alberta Education Minister and Board of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools will follow through promptly, and may God, whose Creation beautifully expresses gender and sexual diversity, lead them in all they say and do.

Sincerely,

The Affirm & Acknowledgement Team

Gaetz Memorial United Church

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The views expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of rdnewsNOW or Pattison Media. Column suggestions and letters to the editor can be sent to news@rdnewsNOW.com.