In both the U.S. and Canada, several religious groups attempted during the pandemic to have certain public health restrictions thrown out by the courts, but to no avail. They argued that governments were infringing on their rights of assembly and religious freedom, which they felt were guaranteed by their respective constitutions. However, the courts ruled that there was no such violation of rights since the broad-based restrictions were not specifically directed at religious gatherings, but were directed at places where normally the public would gather, often involving mandated lockdowns.
Now, I’m no constitutional expert, but under the circumstances the imposition of health-based restrictions appeared to be more than reasonable. Indeed, many churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious entities were more than happy to comply with the restrictions in their places of worship. They did so out of concern for the safety and health of their congregations in light of the real dangers attributed to the pandemic. No one’s specific religious beliefs were placed in jeopardy, and no constitutional rights were violated. Let’s face it, no one was being persecuted, and churches found alternative ways to effectively serve their parishioners and communities.
Despite all of this, there is little doubt that religious fervour has been heightened among some Christian movements in particular, as evidenced by the growing political involvement of such groups. Increasingly, right-wing political movements are taking advantage of many believers who are importing their worship of God, with all its intensity, emotion and ambitions, to their political life. Politicians like Donald Trump had jumped on this band wagon, waving a bible back in June 2020 in front of St. John’s Church in Washington DC for a photo opportunity. Talk about someone who is obviously irreligious wanting to garner support for his own political ambitions. For some of his supporters, right-wing political activity itself is becoming a holy act and is often evident at his rallies.
Both the U.S. and Canadian constitutions are designed to prevent any one church or religious institution from having undo influence in the daily act of governance. This of course is based on the fundamental principle governing the separation of church and state in each country. However, this does not mean that certain religious groups will not attempt to influence which political parties or candidates are elected. As in the case of their opposition to government mandates during the COVID pandemic, they spear head other causes such as the ‘right to life’, opposition to gay marriage, and the promotion of conspiracy theories. Their attitudes are largely framed by an apparent desire to build a nation that actively promotes a particular set of Christian beliefs.
I firmly believe that many of these religious right-wing groups are feeling threatened by what is happening within both countries. Immigration and high birth rates are moving the population to one of greater cultural and religious diversity, such that within the next decade white Americans and Canadians of Christian faiths will be outnumbered. They believe that the predicted changes will undermine their Christian values, such that one often hears them, many of whom attend charismatic or evangelical churches, talking about ‘taking back the country.’ With over a hundred million evangelicals in the U.S., their voices make it hard for many politicians to ignore, especially Republicans, seeking election or re-election in many states. Many are also attracted to populist movements wherever they may emerge.
Just as some churches attempted to support certain political entities in the past, their leaders and parishioners will do so in the future. The danger is that the abyss between those who promote a state religion and those who support the separation between church and state will continue to grow. As history has shown, such conflict could eventually lead to dangerous influences on public policy. Policy which after all results from governance that reflects the current values of the majority of Americans and Canadians, regardless of their particular secular or religious beliefs.
FROLITICKS 