A little over a year ago, my life – and the life of my youngest daughter – intersected with that of a young woman who chooses to wear a niqab.
It was a privilege to get to know that young woman, for she was – in every sense – a lovely human being.
But as the debate has intensified in Canada and elsewhere over what constitutes appropriate dress for women in western society, I found myself wrestling with the issue, and weighed in with my thoughts here.
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April 8, 2010 at 8:45 am
Joanne
Patricia, thank you for your article. I also find myself wrestling with the issue raised in Quebec and the wearing of the niqab and burka. As a Christian I too believe in religious freedom and my heart breaks for women forced to cover themselves from head to toe.
April 9, 2010 at 8:09 am
Patricia Paddey
Thanks for wrestling on this with me, Joanne! It will be fascinating to continue to watch as the debate progresses. We must pray for our political leaders – that they will have wisdom to lead well on this and other similarly complex issues. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to make a new friend in “Farida,” but I felt sad that she never had the opportunity to know us as a family. And we – as a family – were denied the opportunity of knowing her. Learning how others live out their religion gives me a deeper appreciation for the freedom my own faith provides.