Devon Clunis is a cop,and a religious man.For the past number of years he has been a chaplain with the Winnepeg Police Services in Manitoba,Canada.That is until he was recently appointed Chief Of Police.There would be nothing out of the ordinary about that,except that Devon Clunis has publically stated that he believes in the power of prayer,as you might well expect from a practicing Christian.This,of course invites the critics of organized religion,and there are so many in this world to cast Clunis in a negative light.Most of their arguments relate loosely to the ideal of separation of church and state.Their fears are that religion will somehow be imposed upon the rest of us,including rank and file members of the Winnipeg Police Services,and perhaps even those they serve.In point of fact,Clunis has said nothing of the sort.His comments were made in the context of an interview to Christian media.Without a doubt,we should expect such an interview to explore the faith of the person being interviewed.I am at a loss as to why there is any controversy here at all.
On the other hand,maybe what we are seeing here is a reaction to the state of todays world.I made mention of that last week in response a story involving some Texas cheerleaders who created a controversy by displaying religious signs at high school football games.For decades now we have seemed to be moving toward a society where the only orthadox belief is a belief that excludes God and elevates man to the level of deity.The problem is that such things don't work very well.they don't seem to serve human need.Ultimately,while we can ignore God,we cannot evade the reality that we are in a fallen world,with all that that entails:crime,enviromental degredation,school shootings,drunkeness,depression,drug use,bullying and corruption. Devon Clunis is tired of living in what is often the murder capital of this country and he plans to do something about that.I'm certain he did not mean to replace proven police methods with prayer,any more than some studies showing that cancer patients benefit from prayer recommend casting aside proven medical practices.But Devon Clunis is a Christian.I would be very uncomfortable if my Chief Of Police presented himself as something other that who and what he is.To his credit,we see a man living out his chosen lifestyle in the context of his employment.Moreover,I expect to see job performance that flows out of that belief.There is a name for that.It's called integrity.Sadly it seems have been going the way of ethics in general,to be replaced by political correctness and subjective morality a failed social experiment.Thank you Devon Clunis for saying so,if in fact that is what you are saying.You are quite right,it's time we were more involved in our community,it's time we treated each other better,it's time to do whatever it takes.Should we give up on current police methods.Of course not.Should we require prayer of police personel.No.But the same freedom of religion that allows one to be Muslim or Atheist,allows Devon Clunis to practice Christianity and to advance through the ranks to a position he has earned by merit.Should we pray for Winnepeg.It sure couldn't hurt."The prayers of a rightous man availeth much."Devon Clunis has shown the leadership,by way of his comments,that will serve him and his fellow citizens well in years to come.Sadly,that is far to rare in todays world.
On the other hand,maybe what we are seeing here is a reaction to the state of todays world.I made mention of that last week in response a story involving some Texas cheerleaders who created a controversy by displaying religious signs at high school football games.For decades now we have seemed to be moving toward a society where the only orthadox belief is a belief that excludes God and elevates man to the level of deity.The problem is that such things don't work very well.they don't seem to serve human need.Ultimately,while we can ignore God,we cannot evade the reality that we are in a fallen world,with all that that entails:crime,enviromental degredation,school shootings,drunkeness,depression,drug use,bullying and corruption. Devon Clunis is tired of living in what is often the murder capital of this country and he plans to do something about that.I'm certain he did not mean to replace proven police methods with prayer,any more than some studies showing that cancer patients benefit from prayer recommend casting aside proven medical practices.But Devon Clunis is a Christian.I would be very uncomfortable if my Chief Of Police presented himself as something other that who and what he is.To his credit,we see a man living out his chosen lifestyle in the context of his employment.Moreover,I expect to see job performance that flows out of that belief.There is a name for that.It's called integrity.Sadly it seems have been going the way of ethics in general,to be replaced by political correctness and subjective morality a failed social experiment.Thank you Devon Clunis for saying so,if in fact that is what you are saying.You are quite right,it's time we were more involved in our community,it's time we treated each other better,it's time to do whatever it takes.Should we give up on current police methods.Of course not.Should we require prayer of police personel.No.But the same freedom of religion that allows one to be Muslim or Atheist,allows Devon Clunis to practice Christianity and to advance through the ranks to a position he has earned by merit.Should we pray for Winnepeg.It sure couldn't hurt."The prayers of a rightous man availeth much."Devon Clunis has shown the leadership,by way of his comments,that will serve him and his fellow citizens well in years to come.Sadly,that is far to rare in todays world.
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