To the editor,
Even though I do not follow sports very closely, I do believe that the issue presented in Stewart Skinner’s April 13 column needs to also be viewed from a different perspective than what Stewart presents.
Let’s look at how Mr. Reimer and the Staal brothers were put in a position to stand up for their faith. As far as I know, it is the hockey league that decides to hold Pride events which, in a sense, coercively forces all players to make a very public stand.
It reminds me of my grade school days when someone would write on the blackboard, “Bobby loves Sally. True if rubbed off.” Suddenly, Bobby and Sally are stuck between a rock and a hard place. All their options will bring either teasing, embarrassment or even hurt to one or the other. In the case of the hockey players in question, any stand they take will disappoint someone. It could be the Pride community, the hockey league or their family and faith community back home. What about players that may have participated in the rainbow event because of peer pressure and then had to face disappointed friends or family. No one seems to care about that – no media attention there.
I also wonder why people can’t be thankful for the support they did receive? Why must all the media attention be upon those who did not participate? We don’t do that for any other cause. For example, when the schools host Crazy Sock Day in support of those with Down Syndrome, we do not publish the names of those who did not wear crazy socks.
The hockey league itself is no angel in this issue either. On the one hand, they claim to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and on the other hand they employ Russian players who come from a very anti-gay country. Sure, the individuals may not ascribe to their home country’s theology but the image is just as bad, if not worse than a few guys sitting out a warm-up.
We teach our kids to stand up for what they believe in but when these Christian hockey players stand up for their beliefs, they get criticized, and by a fellow Christian no less! Now here I sit criticizing a fellow Christian! Sorry Stewart, but that’s what bothers me about these events – they tend to provoke heated discussions rather than build community.
How many people know of the Staal Family Foundation that has raised nearly $5 million to support children who are fighting cancer and their families? Also, why isn’t there any reference to their official statement which says in part: “We carry no judgment on how people choose to live their lives, and believe that all people should be welcome in all aspects of the game of hockey.” Again, why can’t we focus on the good rather than the little things that irk us?
I wonder too, who gets to decide which theology is the one that is misplaced?
Bill Los
Listowel
