The NDP are accusing Livingstone-Macleod UCP Candidate Roger Reid of promoting racist and homophobic views.

It all stems from a sermon Reid did back in 2012 based on the 1994 printing of a book titled "The Body".

The NDP say the book promotes extreme anti-Muslim views.

They say Reid also has "disturbing" views on homosexuality in writing a 2003 book review in an Alliance Church newsletter with a review of "The Homosexual Agenda."

For his part, Reid denies any hint of racism or homophobia, and in a release says "Societal norms have evolved a great deal since then, as have my personal views."

Reid says he agrees with Party Leader Jason Kenney when he says, "It doesn't matter who you love or how you worship, all are welcome in our party."

Here's the NDP's Release:

Reid has promoted extreme materials in a sermon titled “In the Garden." Reid repeatedly recommends the book Being the Body by Charles Colson, which promotes extreme, anti-Muslim views. The crux of the argument in the book is that Muslims are at war with Christians and fighting against Islam will make Christians more faithful.

“This spring I pulled out a book (I read years ago) when Chuck Colson passed away. It's one of my favourite books— a transforming book for me— called The Body. He updated it after 9/11 and called it Being the Body. One of the reasons it was such a great book for me was he told the stories of the persecuted Church.” [1]

In addition to pushing racist propaganda on his parish, Roger Reid also shares disturbing views on homosexuality. As the director of communications for the church, his newsletter contained a book review of The Homosexual Agenda.

“The homosexual agenda has as its primary aim to “trump” the rights of all other groups, especially those of people of faith. The authors provide well-documented proof that America is not only becoming more tolerant of homosexual behaviour, it is becoming less tolerant of those who disagree with the lifestyle.” [2]

There is clearly a pattern with Kenney’s candidates of promoting hate and extreme views. Mr. Kenney cannot continue to deny that he has a problem in his own ranks. He must show leadership and address the racist and homophobic views of his candidate.

Quotes from Being the Body:

"Islam is intrinsically a militant religion, which, if true to its own doctrine, expands by force..Some Muslims still follow that paradigm today, including terrorist cells scattered throughout the world. This is why those who have been privy to classified information, like former CIA Director Jim Woolsley, believe that we are in the middle of World War IV."

“What militant Muslims seek, therefore, is no different than what Hitler and the Marxists desired: Give us power and we will usher in the perfect state, the super race, or the workers’ paradise. The greatest horrors of the twentieth century were perpetrated by utopians, who always suppress liberty (usually with bloodshed) because they will, by force if necessary, put their views of what is good ahead of your right to determine that for yourself."

Reid issued his own statement:

"In the sermon, I referenced a book from 1993 by Charles Colson. The book was later updated with a revised title and additional content, but I was referencing the original 1993 version specifically.

"The newsletter in question was from 2003. Obviously societal norms have evolved a great deal since then, as have my personal views. Our Leader and Party have been clear: It doesn't matter who you love or how you worship, all are welcome in our party, and I am fully supportive of that.

"Albertans are tired of revisiting old, divisive debates from many years prior. Our focus is on re-igniting our economy in order to get Alberta back to work.”

 

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