To the editor:
Re: "Church's beliefs worse than loss of theatre space," May 31.
Columnist Allen Garr expresses concern about the purchase of The Centre in Vancouver for the Performing Arts by Westside Church, not because of the loss of a theatre, but because what he calls a growing evangelical sect appears, he says, to be threatening so-called community values shared by many.
Garr infers that Westside is American, and that proselytizing is wrong. Westside is, however, a Canadian Mennonite Brethren church. Calling it a sect, too, is incorrect; Westside preaches the gospel. And climate change, animal rights, gay rights, racism and feminism supporters proselytize freely; why shouldn't Christians be able to do so?
Garr contends that "business for evangelicals is booming here." Perhaps it is. A vibrant Christian presence in downtown Vancouver may help alleviate the homelessness, poverty, loneliness, addiction and lawlessness many people see in our city.
Mary Schappert, Vancouver
