eee ae pe nama i A - Policy clarification EDITOR’S NOTE: Jorma Jyrkkanen, whose column normally oc- cupies this space, has taken the week off, but he has submitted the following letter to clarify the intent of a column that ap- peared in the Terrace Review of Feb, 17, 1988. The column was a review of the book ‘‘Holy Blood, Holy Grail’’, which calls into question some. of the historical aspects of Christianity, and it provoked a response, printed in our March 2 issue, from Pastor Peter Sluys, who questioned our editorial judgment in allowing the piece.to aligned newspaper. appear in a religiously non- We would like to point out that this newspaper has in recent months received a number of press releases, and run several news stories, on the activities of the Christian Heritage Party in the Skeena area. In the U.S. a prominent candidate for the Republican presidential nomination is running his campaign almost exclusively on a fundamentalist Christian platform, and in Victoria we have recently witnessed the Premier of B.C. taking a stand on a social issue of monumental importance to many peo- ple solely on the strength of his personal Roman Catholic religious betiefs. It is not the policy of this newspaper to take gratuitous pot — shots at anyone’s religious beliefs, but when religion enters the arena of politics it becomes subject to the. same tenets of Journalism as any other political movement, and its founder is not exempt from examination any more than John A. Mac- Donald, Wilfrid Laurier or Tommy Douglas would be. Pastor Sluys’ choice of the word ‘ridicule’’ is an unfortunate one, because it certainly was not the intent of the column to ridicule anything. In fact, it concluded with a ringing endorse- ment of Christian precepts - precepts it shares in common with other great religions of the world. _ dyrkkanen replies: To the Editor; I wish to clarify for Pastor Peter Sluys that my review of the book, ‘Holy Blood, Holy Grail’’ was in no way intended as ridicule against him nor had i any intent to misrepresent him or anyone publicly. It was but a book review from my admittedly naturalistic point of view. Pastor Sluys is entitled to root for freedom from ridicule for every religion, even as I am free to speak on behalf of my evolu- tionary viewpoint. I would in fact fight to the death to defend his right to do so, Perhaps before our democracy heeds any call for censorships against social criticism, we should consider that by so doing, we would journey down a road that might well one day lead to censorship of his own freedom to worship and preach. I am not calling into question his faith or goodness or devo- tion. I do, however, see war and violence and oppression Originating from the ‘‘We’re . Good, They're Evil’’ camps into which religious affiliations and non-religious reviews sometimes divide us. Because of the historical evidence for my views on this matter, I wonder if there isn’t a safer, more universal, cosmopolitan way for humanity to satisfy its spiritual and biological needs and aspirations. From this futuristic, survival- oriented viewpoint, it is natural, timely and wise to call the credi- bility of institutions leading us toa ‘‘Professed Holocaust’’ into question. — Do we want the Ayatollah to ” proliferate and the violent Theocracies to get powerful enough to get hold of nuclear terrorism devices? Do we want an American fun- damentalist with an avowed belief in the biblical prophesy of global holocaust to become president of the United States, thereby accessing the means to create that holocaust? Perhaps, because the environ- ment of humanity has become far more volatile and dangerous, our institutions need to evolve new safeguards, I fear that if an argument for exemption from examination af- fects our. freedom of the press, even as others with particular sectarian or partisan viewpoints are trying to do, that we are ‘doomed. I say these things without pre- judice to any person or group, and my over-riding intent is to make us all more accountable to the common need for survival. Jorma Jyrkannen, Terrace Ono of the local school groups who are participating in the Pacific Northwast Music Festival Is the E.T. Kenney cholr, directed by Richard Eckert. For a schedule of this week's Festival events, see page 15, and for profiles of the Festival adjudicators, turn to page 18. Regional District opposed to CBC reorganization plan The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine has now com- pleted its submission to the CRTC (Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commis- sion) to be presented at a public hearing tomorrow in Prince Rupert. The hearing is intended to provide a forum for public in- terventions regarding CBC’s plans to change the structure of it’s B.C, radio network. The submission begins by say- ing, ‘‘As one of the Regional Districts within the service area of CBC-CFPR, we would like to go on record as being opposed to Application No. 873749600 by the Canadian Broadcasting Cor- poration to amend the broad- casting licence for CBC-CFPR Prince Rupert by changing the program source from programs received from studios in Prince Rupert to programs received from CBYG-FM Prince George, British Columbia.’’ In the submission, the regional district points out that CFPR currently serves 100,100 people (1986 census) in an area of 168,300 square kilometers . which is ‘‘geographically diverse and often rugged.’” It states that CFPR has served the Northwest since the early - 1950’s and that by cutting nor- thwest programming from five | § to three hours, ‘‘essential ser- vices now provided by CFPR would be significantly reduced.”’ The submission goes on to say, ‘‘Northwest British Colum- bia needs the type of radio ser- vice provided by CFPR at the levels of service that are now available. This region is similar $9900. own O:A.C. Can make your dream come true: to the Yukon and Northwest Territories in its vast un- populated expanses, scattered settlements and weather/terrain limitations in communications and travel. - “At the present time, it (CBC) is willing to support large sta- tions in Whitehorse (to serve a population base of 26,000) and Yellowknife (to serve the Nor- thwest Territories: with 50,000 people), but it proposes to remove CFPR from a popula- tion base of 100,000 in an area that is 20 percent of the land mass of British Columbia, plus the most rugged portion of its west coast.’” The submission concludes by” i saying, ‘‘We feel that the downgrading of a successful, well-respected public radio sta- tion in a region where it is ap- preciated and required, is a misplacement of the priorities of the Canadian Broadcasting Cor- | poration, especially when the money from the degradation of radio service in our portion of the province is used: to support in part, luxury FM stereo service to the Victoria Area.”’ The CRTC hearing will be held in Prince Rupert on Mar. 10. Interested In helping the Scouts or Girl Guides, or the community? Short on time, but still Interested? The B.P. Guild will help you heip, without necessarily filling your calendar. If you don't have the time to become a Scouting leader, you can still help Scouts through the Guild, or if you wished you had gone Into Scouting, the Guild can get you - Larsen at 638-1377, helping with Scouting events. For more information, contact Finn ~The Provit British Columbia Justice Reform Committee administration. cost reduced? structure be achieved? mediation be effectively used? TERRACE: LOCATION: TEME: March 18, 1988 _ NOTICE OF PUBLICHEARING. The Justice Reform Committee was recently established by Attorney General Brian R.D. Smith, Q.C., “to improve the justice system in this province so that it is more relevant, more accessible, more efficient and less costly, with the result that it may be better understood and respected by all our citizens.” Chaired by the Deputy Attorney General, the Committee consists of seven other members who bring a diverse background in law, justice and civic The specific areas the Committee will focus on include: ® Civil Law: how can the trial process be shortened and simplified and the * Criminal Law: how can criminal trial procedure be streamlined? . * Court Structure: how can overlaps be eliminated and a more integrated * Alternate Dispute Resolution: how can processes such as arbitration and The Committee will be holding the following public hearing in your region: Inn of the West, 4620 Lakelse Avenue March 18th, beginning at 1:00 p.m. and continuing throughout the afternoon and evening as required, All people with concerns about our justice system are encouraged to make their suggestions known to the Committee, These can be presented orally or in writing. In order to give as many people as possible an opportunity to speak to the Committee, you are asked to contact the Deputy Attorney General's office no later than 5:00 p.m., March 14, 1988 to obtain an approximate time. Since your time before the Committee may be limited, it is advisable to have a written summary of your ideas to present. Fen Prchude Si 4WS " ‘To obtain an appearance time please contact: Hl . apie . Justice Reform Committee 7 Once in a lifetime offer expires March 31, 1988 clo Mrs. Joanne Palmer ee a " 7 Call or drop in today as supplies are limited Office of the Deputy Attorney General | H . The best cars for better values #9 G Gaverament Street DL 5036 ver in one: 387-15 va a E.N. (Ted) Hughes, Q.C. 635-6571 638-8171 (Call Collect) Chainnan eo 4842 Highway 16, Terrace, B.C. | , Terrace Honda Sales | | . . Justice Reform Committee |.