What next, The Lord’s Prayer?

THE EDITOR: I am surprised that none of the religious organisations associated with the IRO has come out to defend the right of its president, Rev Cyril Paul, to pray in the format that he did at the opening of parliament.  In fact, the comment by the Hon Prime Minister is an insult to the clergy. When in a democracy our clergy can be so silent, having been chided by the Prime Minister in an area which is clearly outside the domain of his portfolio, then there must be need for serious concern. 

Is the Prime Minister sending a message, that the head of the IRO is incompetent to deliver a prayer?  Or is it that he is saying, within the context of the preamble to our constitution, that Rev Paul lacks the moral and spiritual values as was proclaimed by our former president?  Could we as members of the clergy now earn any respect from our congregation when we pray? A nation that has given up faith in itself is now calling for prayers from the clergy amidst the rising crime and violence that plague our land.  How effective would our prayers be when we do not even know how to pray in the sacred house of parliament? 

Even the Lord’s Prayer might be chided by the Prime Minister when we utter: “And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” or Jesus’ cry on the cross: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Perhaps very soon we may be following the path of our big brother to the north, and in the name of democracy, remove prayers from our schools and the “Bible and The Ten Commandments” from state institutions.

IMAM IQBAL HYDAL
Vice President,
Ahmadiyya Anjuman