Firstly I would like to congratulate the grad classes of 2009.
While attending this year's banquet ceremonies at Elphinstone Secondary School, I was intrigued to why a Christian-based denominational prayer was incorporated into the ceremony's program. It is likely true that Christian-based religious followers make up a large portion of the population of the Sunshine Coast. Regardless, I find the reading of such a prayer unjustifiable. In Canada isn't the school system supposed to be separate from the church? Isn't that why the 'The Lord's Prayer' is no longer read during the morning announcements?
In addition to this there is another point I would like to raise. The issue that I have with the reading of a Christian-denominational prayer at a grad banquet is the lack of respect this shows for non-Christian belief-based systems, including Buddhist, Aboriginal, Muslim, or Atheists. Devout followers of other religions would likely be offended when they sit down to enjoy their child's graduation banquet dinner and a Christian-prayer is read to attendees.
So please, organizers of future Elphinstone and Chatelech banquet's, be sensitive to all beliefs by reading a non-denominational grace at your dinners. There are many things in this world to be thankful for, and I feel that religion can be left out of the agendas of graduate ceremonies.
Brett Wildeman
Roberts Creek
