Voices of support for Steinbach pastor

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A video still of Steinbach pastor Ray Duerksen.

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   • Bill 18: The anatomy of a controversy

A Steinbach pastor's opposition to the province's anti-bullying bill drew a flood of comments critical of the pastor on our website. Lost in the tsunami were the voices of those who support his stance. Here are a few of those comments.

Its sad that the majority of people making comments here are so ignorant of the truth! I have seen a lot of "what would Jesus do?" comments and they have it only half right. Would Jesus be the one holding the hands of the confused, fearful teen? Of course he would. But he would not condone the behaviour as it is blatantly opposed in the Bible. Its is NOT the person that we have a problem with, but the behaviour! Many times in the Bible Jesus goes and comforts the person doing a behaviour that is against Scripture, but he would always say: "go and sin no more!"

Bill 18 cannot stay as it is because it is too broad. It is FORCING faith based schools to go against what we believe and what the Bible says.

-- hockeyfanbrent

I'm a sixteen year-old grade eleven student in the public Steinbach Regional Secondary School, and I have definitely seen the effects of bullying on my peers. However, I don't think this bill will do the trick to stop bullying! Shouldn't bullying be more than "hurt feelings?" I would be breaking the law nearly every day! And shouldn't ALL private organizations (Christian, Muslim, Homosexual, Satanist, Secular, Jewish, etc.) have the right to decide who teaches what on their own private property? And now to address some of the hateful comments directed at Christians that I have been reading...

Just a suggestion: Those opposing Southland Church and Pastor Ray Duerksen should listen to at least this whole sermon instead of reading or watching the out-of-context highlights that the Winnipeg Free Press put together. Also, if you feel inclined to, maybe watch a few other messages in order to get the heart of Pastor Ray Duerksen and the church.

Disagreeing with someone doesn't mean hate towards that person. Also, saying something is sin based on the bible is not hate. I'm a sinner! That doesn't mean I must hate myself. I agree that some Christians do speak out of hatred or intolerance, and I want to apologize on their behalf. God calls us to LOVE in TRUTH. These two things don't have to contradict the other!

-- LukeMcAllister

Be brave and courageous church! Keep on helping the poor, caring for the widow, taking care of the orphan, helping the elderly, welcoming the immigrants.

Jesus said in Matthew: "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in Heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way."

-- The Freedom Writer

How many people have actually gone to the Southland website to listen to the WHOLE sermon themselves?

There is nothing this article but individual sentences taken out to fan the flames on this whole debt.

I go to Southland, I know Pastor Ray. He is not a hateful man. I was there when he preached this sermon and didn't ever hear him say that he hated gay people and would not accept them in "his" town.

I wish this wasn't turning into a gay vs Christian thing. Because that isn't what this is about. We should all be focusing on how to combat bullying, and Nancy Allen's sheer refusal to listen to anything but her own thoughts is bullying in itself.

-- Christfollower

I feel this article has missed this pastor's heart and message and I am disappointed with the bias. As a regular attender of this church, I know that I, and the other members of this church, are absolutely opposed to bullying and agree that it is a significant concern in our schools and a very serious issue. No student should ever be bullied or feel unsafe in school.

The reason Bill 18 poses a real threat to religious freedom is because it requires all schools to accommodate and promote student groups that may directly contradict their faith principles or community values.

-- CharK

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 10, 2013 A8