This is what I have to say:
I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.
This is unsettling to me. Let me clarify first though, that I am not afraid to adhere to the laws of Canada or fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen. What I don't like is that I have to say, "I swear". Apparently they are aware of people like me and have provided the alternative "I affirm" to soothe my sensibilities in this area. Ok, problem #1 solved.
Problem #2. The most unsettling thing about this oath is that I have to affirm that I will "be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Queen and to her heirs and successors." I'm honestly a little scared to even share these sentiments to all of blogdom, and I hope I don't get arrested or anything... But really, how many Canadians would even be able to truthfully say that they "bear true allegiance to the Queen and her heirs and successors?" Why do I have to say that? I am willing to honor her in the authoritative postition that God has placed her in, but my poor little American heart just recoils at the idea of "bearing true allegiance" to a monarchy. Oh boy, I feel like I will be strung up for treason or something.
Pray for me please. I want to be able to truthfully state this oath and become a Canadian, I just obviously have some issues to work through and pray about.
4 comments:
When Dad was inducted into the army, he had to "swear" something and then step over a line. In retrospect, he wished he'd just stepped over the line, but not sworn to whatever it was. He would have still been inducted as a soldier without taking the oath. I have a hard time honestly saying our pledge of allegiance, because where it says "and to the Republic for which it stands"--I do not agree to a lot for which it stands. It is, however STILL "under God". I will be praying. Love, Mom
Hey Valerie,
We will pray for you. My cousin went througha similar experience when she joined the American side of the border.
Not that that helps you in any way, but I just wanted you to know you aren't the only one who struggles with these moments!
Hope it all goes well.
Love from us all
Hi Val, I heard a news clip yesterday about the group of citizens that were sworn in this week in Ottawa on the 60th. anniversary of Canadian citizenship. I noticed that Gov. General M. Jean said " affirm" instead of "swear" ... the whole thing was not broadcast so I don't know what was said re the Queen.
Too bad you couldn't have been part of that 60th. anniversary group.
I haven't done anything about my citizenship status but I guess that if I want to claim old age pention I might have to become a Canadian.....time will tell. I"ve heard if you get over a certain age (I thought that it was 60 but heard from someone else it is 65) you don't have to take the test.
Your A. Jean 'n Wpg.
Well are you a Cunuck now? how does it feel ? :)
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