I will say that I recognize the significantly secular nature of current Canadian culture, and since this is a democratic nation, I think that secularism needs to be respected in political matters like ‘official charges’.

I definitely still personally “support” a theistic, faith-based approach to life (including politics) more than anything, but I recognize that my own perspective cannot be respected if I do not respect that of secularists who disagree with me.

At the same time, I hope that gaps can be bridged and that Canadians can increasingly see the interrelation of what is “sacred” (from a faith-perspective) and what is “secular” (at least in terms of everyday material realities that are not ordinarily considered from a spiritual standpoint).

For that reason, I was happy that the convocation charge still retained the word “God,” but made it more open to reflect the diverse nature of Canadian perspectives on faith and spirituality.