Shariah and rules that govern religious practices in other faiths are not to be feared, spiritual leaders say

[Guest Nicole]

Recourse to secular courts

Religious laws apply to a believer's spiritual life. They don't trump Canada's Criminal Code, civil law or other statutes. 

Sometimes, secular courts are even called upon to judge whether a faith-based decision is fair.

On Nov. 2, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear from an Alberta man appealing a decision made by a Jehovah's Witnesses' judicial committee.

Elders disfellowshipped — or expelled — Randy Wall when they decided the Calgary man was not sufficiently repentant for two drunken incidents where he allegedly verbally abused his wife.

• This decision by elders of the congregation required Wall's wife and children to shun him. Wall, a real estate agent, alleges the shunning caused him to lose a large number of Jehovah's Witnesses clients.

Courts are sometimes are asked to judge the fairness of a religious rule or decision. The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear the case of a Jehovah's Witness who was expelled for alleged verbal abuse of his wife. (Chris Wattie/Canadian Press)

In 2007, Canada's top court ruled in favour of a woman who took action against her ex-husband for refusing to grant her a religious Jewish divorce, known as a get.

"The consequences to women deprived of a get and loyal to their faith are severe," Justice Rosalie Abella wrote.

"They may not remarry within their faith, even though civilly divorced. If they do remarry, children from a second civil marriage are considered illegitimate and restricted from practising their religion."

Full article: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/shariah-religion-islamophobia-1.4295453

[Rosalie Barry]

Jehovah is the final judge since only he knows the heart but the elders have an obligation to keep the congregation clean so one person doesn't affect others. Even if the courts deem the elders decision wrong which is doubtful the congregation will still honor the elders decision. It isn't  called shunning it is disfellowshipping. It appears you are not at all familiar with Jehovah's Witnesses from the words you use. Besides the elders know the inside story of all the details which not everyone does