For peace's sake, start a separate group

For peace's sake, start a separate group

CONSIDER these points: Dr Thio Su Mien's admission that she engineered the 'coup' at Aware, ostensibly to promote her religious convictions; that some of the new exco members are from her church; that they all share her religious convictions; and that the 'inclusive nature' of Aware's Charter has been deleted.

How can any objective bystander now say: 'Give the new exco a chance to further Aware's Charter?'

The way I see it, the new exco is bent on amending Aware's founding Charter of inclusiveness to the exact opposite of what the group was founded on. There is now a real fear that the new exco members will infuse Aware's secular, inclusive Charter with the values of their religious dogma.

How would a church organisation react if a group of non-believers subverted its election process, and put in place a group of non-believers who advocate sex education, condom use and women's right to determine whether they wish to follow through with their pregnancy?

In a modern, non-theocractic society like Singapore, I cherish and uphold the right to be able to express my personal views and exercise my personal choice within the boundaries of the law.

If I advocate certain religious values, I will join an ostensibly religious organisation to further my cause. If I am a secularist who wants to promote other causes, I will join a non-religious organisation.

Why can Dr Thio and her group not form their own clearly branded religious women's organisation, as an adjunct to their church group? They are clearly within their rights to do so.

This will cause less confusion and anxiety, and enable everyone to express his personal convictions peaceably.

Wilfred Ong

http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=27821.8