As a retired ordained Baptist minister I would like to comment on the Brian Skakun trial from a different perspective. In your editorial of Dec. 13 you stated that personal matters are the issues here, but I say that the issue is about bullying.
To all of you who are going to celebrate Christmas this year I want to remind you that Jesus had zero tolerance for bullying. Whether it's a small or large degree of bullying makes no difference. It's all sin.
How many times have I seen ads about bullying in the schools emphasizing that bullying is everybody's concern. To those who bully in the workplace, I'm going to give you some good advice for judgment day - don't tell the Lord you were just doing your job. I guarantee you will not like the expression on His face.
Brian Skakun sided with the victims of bullying. So did The Citizen, months before Brian allegedly revealed a report about what was already in the public domain.
Brian's reward for doing the right thing by siding with bullying victims was to be bullied himself by officials including a crown council who is willing to spend thousands of taxpayers dollars for a misdemeanor, on he said/she said evidence from a couple who had ended a relationship. All pastors know that basic counselling explores both sides before coming to any conclusions.
If any good can come out of this it would be that, like Jesus, we would take a dim view of bullying. Jesus taught that in the end all that is hidden will be revealed - every idle word.
This is Christmas - a time of peace and renewal. If any of you have been bullying others in the workplace, school or at home, stop doing it, or you are a hypocrite if you continue and celebrate Christmas.
To Brian Skakun - you are in the prayers of many people this Christmas for we know the Lord is with those who strive to do the right thing by showing love and compassion to the wounded.
Rev. Peter Stinson
Prince George
