June 29, 1998
RELIGIOUS FAITH RENEWED
By ANDREW MATTE -- Ottawa Sun
Billy Graham's mammoth four-day mission has given a boost to the entire community, say local religious leaders.
Graham has instilled a deeper appreciation of God, a renewed devotion to religion and a newfound interest in personal growth, they said.
The fact that so many people have gathered to talk about religion can only be a good thing, said Rabbi Reuven Bulka.
"What you have are groups coming together to strengthen their faith and work at becoming better people," said Bulka.
Bulka also likes Graham's message since he preaches the wonder of religion and value in personal goodness itself rather than push one religion over another.
"Billy Graham has very doggedly made sure he doesn't impose any religion on anybody -- he's here because he was invited.
"They may squabble about the message and they may squabble about the means, but I see it as being all good."
Bishop Fred Colli, an auxiliary Bishop of the Ottawa Archdiocese, said the mission has done plenty for both the Catholic church and the community.
Colli said the mission came at a perfect time since the Pope had issued a directive to all Catholics to communicate and work with non-Catholics to improve their communities.
"It all fits into our plan for the new millennium," he said. "We have been encouraged to build bridges with people of other religions because we are, after all, people of faith."
And Graham's visit is perfect to help devote Catholics become better Catholics and to help others find God.
"Catholics are not exactly known for digging deep into the Scriptures. And this is the foundation upon which Billy Graham is based."
"The mission, I believe, is a good thing because it instills a deeper appreciation of Christ on the part of Catholic people."
Colli, who attended the first night of the mission, came away feeling good.
"I stood there alongside Baptists, Protestants, Anglicans -- we were all there because of our fundamental belief in Christ. And that is wonderful."