Ruling (.pdf) - International Center for Law and Religion Studies

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meet the needs of individuals who were disabled, regardless of the faith background ofthose individuals or their families.[45] Although there was some evidence that Christian Horizons receives supportthrough donations and bequests, it was not disputed that the residential programs areeffectively 100 per cent funded through the developmental services programs of theMinistry of Community and Social Services (the “Ministry”).[46] As a not-for-profit corporation, Christian Horizons has a membership and a Boardof Directors. All members are required, as a condition of membership, to endorse andsign the Doctrinal Statement. Individuals served by Christian Horizons in the variousprograms, and their families, are not required to be members of the organization andare not required to adopt or sign the Doctrinal Statement. Christian Horizons accepts allpersons into its programs regardless of cultural background or religious belief.However, from the outset of the organization, Rev. Reese has been clear that hewished all employees and staff of Christian Horizons to adopt the faith beliefs of themembership and be prepared to adopt and sign the Doctrinal Statement.2008 HRTO 22 (CanLII)[47] In addition, Christian Horizons has always sought to maintain the Christiancharacter of all its residences. New residences are opened with a religious dedicationservice, many daily activities are centred on prayer and Bible reading. ChristianHorizon’s information and promotional materials clearly indicate that it identifies as aChristian organization, and that its residential programs seek to establish a “Christianhome environment” for its residents. This Christian identity has also always been madeclear to its government funders.Christian Horizons as an “Evangelical Christian Organization”[48] Reverend Dr. Brian Stiller was called as an expert witness on EvangelicalChristianity, Rev. Dr. Stiller is former President of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canadaand current President of Tyndale University College and Seminary. He is also amember of Christian Horizons.12
[49] Rev. Dr. Stiller explained, in his view, what it meant to be an EvangelicalChristian. He referred to a four point definition:• Crucicentrism – the death and resurrection of Christ as being centralto the faith;• the trustworthiness of the Bible;• the need for personal conversion; and,• social action.[50] He explained that central to Evangelical Christianity is the belief that:2008 HRTO 22 (CanLII)(…) being called by Christ requires by its nature for us to turnoutward and not inward and that outward turning mobilizes onein concern for the social well-being – the spiritual well-being ofothers.So an essential part of – and because the word “evangelical”comes from the New Testament word evangel, which meansthe good news, essential to being a Christian is to tell the goodnews, to live out the good news, whether it’s in telling others ofChrist or administering in the name of Christ to the needs ofothers.[51] Rev. Dr. Stiller went on to speak about the history of Evangelical organizations,and how they were all based on the biblical mandate that Christians are called to carefor the poor and those in need. Rev. Dr. Stiller explained how many of theseorganizations established themselves as inter-denominational “ministries”, in order tolive out what Evangelical Christians see as their calling. He referred to theseorganizations as “para-church”, organizations which identify as Evangelical Christian,that are engaged in social action and works of charity, but not in a way that isproselytizing for a particular church or denomination.[52] A number of members and employees of Christian Horizons testified how theysaw their work as Christian ministry, and how the work could not be separated fromtheir spiritual beliefs. While the Commission and Ms. Heintz disputed that religion andspirituality were necessarily infused with the daily tasks of providing residential and13
Page 1 and 2: HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL OF ONTARIO___
Page 3 and 4: TABLE OF CONTENTSOVERVIEW .........
Page 5 and 6: I) OVERVIEW[1] In March 1995, the c
Page 7 and 8: Code which provides a framework and
Page 9 and 10: [19] The length of the hearing and
Page 12 and 13: [31] Rev. Reese testified that, aft
Page 14 and 15: objects and purposes essentially re
Page 18 and 19: support services to the residents,
Page 20 and 21: organization. Each retreat involved
Page 22 and 23: Heintz was given a Letter of Employ
Page 24 and 25: Ms. Dorothy Girling, Ms. Heintz’s
Page 26 and 27: with pay pending the investigation
Page 28 and 29: ancestry, place of origin, colour,
Page 30 and 31: such a defence should not be read i
Page 32 and 33: all help it can to its members to a
Page 34 and 35: Analysis and Application of the Fac
Page 36 and 37: [117] On the basis of the evidence
Page 38 and 39: [124] Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, the Co
Page 40 and 41: doctrine, unjustifiably entangle th
Page 42 and 43: Christian Horizon urges me to adopt
Page 44 and 45: persons, individuals identified by
Page 46 and 47: the residents, they were not able t
Page 48 and 49: noted above, that families came fro
Page 50 and 51: would otherwise be discriminatory,
Page 52 and 53: confronted about being in a same se
Page 54 and 55: whole. Section 24(2) imposes a duty
Page 56 and 57: 57. The first step in assessing whe
Page 58 and 59: a rational connection between the q
Page 60 and 61: If individuals in Canada were permi
Page 62 and 63: the faith beliefs of the organizati
Page 64: And so they have gay and lesbian st
Page 67 and 68:
discriminatory views of managers or
Page 69 and 70:
Horizons’ management from the poi
Page 71 and 72:
• On this and suspicious abuse al
Page 73 and 74:
Christian Horizons relied on the di
Page 75 and 76:
we're committed to as God's way in
Page 77 and 78:
obligations placed on all employers
Page 79 and 80:
Inc. (No. 4) (1990), 12 C.H.R.R. D/
Page 81 and 82:
late in 1999. She testified that wh
Page 83 and 84:
Heintz. None of her concerns about
Page 85 and 86:
[268] Ms. Heintz testified about he
Page 87 and 88:
take steps to justify why gays and
Page 89 and 90:
for over 40 years. It has grown fro
Page 91 and 92:
1. the respondent, Christian Horizo
Page 93 and 94:
ADDENDUM TO FINAL DECISION[1] This
Page 95 and 96:
Horizons appealed that decision, an
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