Churches banding together to pray for strike-affected families

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Pastor Jeremy Mahood, seen here, is organizing a day of vigil and reconcillation between different Christian faiths. He says his hope is to help the families of those affected by the strike. File photo.

Pastor Jeremy Mahood, seen here, is organizing a day of vigil and reconcillation between different Christian faiths. He says his hope is to help the families of those affected by the strike. File photo.

Mar 18, 2010- 3:04 PM

By: Bill Bradley - Sudbury Northern Life

On March 30, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., members of various churches across Greater Sudbury will gather downtown in the foyer of Tom Davies Square to support a day of reconciliation and restoration with a prayer vigil to support and uplift families affected by the eight-month-long Vale Inco strike.

Greater Sudbury is being torn apart by the current labour dispute between Vale Inco and Steelworkers Local 6500, Jeremy Mahood said. He is the pastor of All Nations Church, a Baptist congregation, and is spearheading the vigil effort.

Though there has been a private group meeting weekly at Tom Davies Square to pray for a resolution to the strife, Mahood decided two weeks ago that more was needed to be done.

“I felt in my mind we needed public prayer,” Mahood said. “I called a few church leaders. We are meeting this Tuesday to further plan the event.”

Mahood said the eight-month strike is affecting many people.

“I am seeing an increased amount of judgmental attitudes arising, a polarizing of our community,” he said. “I see a high percentage of intolerance among people."

“I feel (the dispute) has moved beyond an international or foreign corporation and an international union. It's beyond their ideologies. Now it is on the backs of men and women in Sudbury. It is tearing their lives apart.”

Mahood said he has heard that children in local schools are being harassed by children who are from families from the other side of the dispute. In his 1,000 person congregation there is a percentage of both union and management families.

Marriages are also under stress, he said.

“When you consider that finances are the number one stress in marital relationships and when you go from sufficient money to no money, then that is stressful.”

Mahood said the situation is ready to boil over.

“I am afraid (the dispute) will boil over and do long term damage to people. I am seeing a great angst, an inner pain in people,” Mahood said. “A sense of helplessness is beginning to emerge. There is no where to put this frustration, no outlet for this frustration and pain.”

In response to these concerns, Greater Sudbury's spiritual leaders and their congregations are coming together for a day of prayer, Mahood said.

He was referring to 11 churches holding a day of prayer for reconciliation and restoration for those affected by the labour dispute.

“More are coming on board. I have never seen such co-operation (between churches) in my 30 years here in Sudbury.”

Mahood said historically, whenever people faced a crisis they could not find a way out of, they would often turn to prayer.

“Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of England, called such a day of prayer in his country during the darkest days of the last war," Mahood noted. "After the 911 event (in New York City) a national day of prayer was also called in the United States. This is our war and our own battle.”

“We also understand that there will be long time resentments and potential retaliation in the work place environment,” he added. “That is why this is being called a day of reconciliation.”

Congregations are being notified by their churches of the prayer vigil, he said.

“In my own church the event will be mentioned this Sunday.”

Participating Churches

  • All Nations (Baptist) Church
  • First Baptist
  • Glad Tidings Tabernacle Pentacostal Assembly of Canada
  • St. Andrew's United Church
  • St. Paul's United Church
  • Church of the Ascension (Anglican)
  • Salvation Army
  • St. James in the Valley United Church
  • Valley Pentecostal
  • Lansing Baptist
  • Grace Family (Christian) Church
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38 Comments

  • Wretched 6/21/2010 8:00:31 PM - Report Abuse

    Another ecumenical tragedy.

  • Daystar10 3/30/2010 4:32:33 PM - Report Abuse

    Thank you for the privilege of joining in a constructive way to build a bridge of prayer between the two sides. I trust and believe that we will see a difference in reconciliation because we have invited God to take an active part in the solution to this dispute.

  • FirefighterBosco 3/25/2010 5:28:23 PM - Report Abuse

    In this article Mr Mahood makes refrence and somewhat compares this situation to post 9/11 and national days of prayer ......HOW DARE YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! compare this situation to anything that remotely involves 9/11 I personally take great offence to any kind of comparison such as this SHAME on you !!!! nuff said

  • whiteswan69_1 3/25/2010 4:08:14 PM - Report Abuse

    Share the wealth,I believe in God and attend church during the week and on Sundays.The priest that is in charge of the church that I attend is a very nice and very smart.I have nothing bad to say against churches and religions.I was brought up as a Catholic and I am really very happy that my parents used to bring me to church when I was just a young fellow.My parents are no longer with me and my brothers and sisters.We all go to church and it really helps us to have a good life.

  • Share the Wealth_1 3/25/2010 10:43:20 AM - Report Abuse

    Whiteswan, all kinds of people go to church, even those that go to confess their heiness crimes of sexually molesting, raping and physically abusing children under the the protection of both Governments and the Catholic, Anglican, and United churches which not only run churches, but also schools, residential schools, homes for wayward girls and boys, orphanages, convents, choirs, alterboy programs, community and church programs like bible camps, cubs, brownies, girl guides, scouts, pathfinders. Throughout the years of these churches providing these programs, several crimes have now been reported of systemic abuse of many of the children in the care of the 'good church people' and their leaders. Religious infighting and conflict for control have been at the helm of most wars. Religion has not proven to be of much benefit to anyone, but has been quite often hurtfull, hatefull and marginalizing towards many.

  • SNS 3/25/2010 10:13:13 AM - Report Abuse

    my question is for the likes of spanky or bigriver or ccnr

    1> You say all you want is the last contract you had. correct?

    So my question is what exactly are you on strike for?

    To me the improvements in the last offer with a 1.03 zraise minimum, 250 added to the DB pension, and you still have a bonus that will pay up an extra 12000 a year? I don't understand what the strike is about anymore? Excuse my ignorance but it seems 6500 is on strike for 9 guys that aren't going to get their jobs back.

  • bulshoy_62 3/25/2010 9:22:33 AM - Report Abuse

    "Is't OK to Pray, because I BELIEVE in GOD, but God will help the poeples that want to be help, but I don't believe that's gone a help BECAUSE the strickers are to greety and to lazy to back to work point and simple...It's time"

    Naturally God will side with your point of view, right? "cause everything you disagree with, God also disagrees with.

    LOL @ religion.

  • Share the Wealth_1 3/24/2010 9:52:19 PM - Report Abuse

    Ok, so basically a reprint of the same previously posted article with a little editing. Not bad I suppose. At least there is a little clarification to Mr. Mahood's intentions. Just the same, I would like to see all local non profit groups, churches, businesses, individuals on both sides of this labor dispute, as well as politicians participate in a common cause where they stand together for peace, level headedness, and for justice for all. It seems that church people are not comfortable among non church people, even those unchurched who share similar ethics, morals, social mores and beliefs as they propose. Why is it that we athiests, or secularists, or humanists, or agnostics, Bhudists, and or other beleif systems tolerate, embrace and cooperate with a multilateral belief base, but are tolerated and respected by few, and villanized by many?

  • spanky 3/24/2010 9:42:40 PM - Report Abuse

    Harry, shame on you

  • whiteswan69_1 3/24/2010 9:35:26 PM - Report Abuse

    People that say stupid things against religions are very ignorant.I go to church often and never say bad things against any religion.I pray all the time and I hope that this strike comes to an end very soon.

  • Harry 3/24/2010 7:19:12 PM - Report Abuse

    Sure, let's all pray to some gray haired sky pixie.

    The same god that just killed 230,000 people in Haiti.

    Such nonsense.

  • spanky 3/23/2010 5:19:33 AM - Report Abuse

    2323, can you please explain why union workers are greedy? all we want is what we had last contract not a penny more.

  • 2323 3/21/2010 10:01:06 AM - Report Abuse

    Your right Phillip, I'm happy to see that other people think like me.Prayer ain't gonna help GREEDY & SELFISH UNION GUYS LIKE YOU........God Bless the people who really needs it...

  • Phillip Morris 3/21/2010 4:56:16 AM - Report Abuse

    God helps those that help themselves - 6500 pay attention. You've screwed yourselves with greed and sense of entitlement. Prayer ain't gonna help get you out of this one.

  • MAXIMVS 3/20/2010 11:08:30 AM - Report Abuse

    "Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." (Matthew 15:12-14)
    We all know men who work in big business. Big business is a “cut-throat” society in which people watch out for themselves and will even take someone down if needed. In big business, the more money one has then the more power one has. Big business will go to small businesses and make deals only to shrink the competition and increase the income. The key word to big business is competition. Those involved must always win, and the bigger the win, the better. People in business look for advancement in their company. They work hard. They fight against disappointments. They do whatever it takes for more recognition, prestige and authority.
    The competition in this city is intense right now. This city is clearly divided on what they think is best: more small businesses or bigger big business? more local authority in government or bigger big government? Clearly, the church is not hearing from God or else the people would be united. So why isn’t the church hearing?Many of our churches here and everywhere else are run as big business. Clergy and laymen watch their own backs, making sure they are getting their needs met; and then, if they have some left over, they will help the needy.

  • northside 3/20/2010 10:13:51 AM - Report Abuse

    Circle of concern is not working to bring 6500 to their senses so I hope this prayer get together works but I doubt it. ThereI go again using the words "common sense" I forgot 6500 leadership does not know the meaning, sorry...

  • Share the Wealth_1 3/20/2010 9:44:09 AM - Report Abuse

    I had no intention of slandering Mr. Mahood. If this was percieved as such, I apologize. I was only trying to point out that there is already a concerned group that welcomes everyone to join in and show their stand for peace, harmony and non violence and encourage those involved in the labor dispute to keep a level head, and work in good faith towards a resolution. Why can't we all work together side by side both religous and non religious, and whether Christian or other relgious affiliations. In ones own church or organisation, sure go ahead and pray in your own way with members, and other churches. I only think that in public where there is already a movement open to all to participate in for a common cause, why would other organisations and churches not join in, rather than stage their own event? Participants can prayin their own way or meditate, or reflect etc. in silence together taking a stand agains aggression. This is non partisan event, welcoming and offering all an opportunity to put their differences aside with multiculultural, multifaith, secular etc. participants working all together as one.

  • Linux_Advocat 3/19/2010 6:52:33 PM - Report Abuse

    I sincerely hope certain people realize what it means to slander someone. If i was Mr. Mahood, i'd be be printing this thread.

  • Share the Wealth_1 3/19/2010 6:35:12 PM - Report Abuse

    Skndisky, I never said we were not entitled to our beliefs. I meant that all people regardless of their religion, or no religion were invited to join the Circle of Concern as a united group who stood for peace and non violence and encourage our Vale, Stellworker labor leaders, workers, businesses, and the community frustrated and emotional about the impasse so far in this dispute. We have invited all faiths, individuals and even those directly involved in the dispute to join us to stand for these non partisan, non religious principles. The Catholic Church, and United Church, and now the Penticostal and Evangelical churches refused to join us and yet now put on their own similar event rather than participate and cooperate with those already initiating this movement. This is my opinion was an act of intolerance on their part to stand with both religious and non religious people or people with alternative belief systems which may not be Christian.

    Mr. Mahood has been know to preach intolerance and angst from the pulpit towards non Christians, and especially Humanists, Pagans, Wiccans, and Native Spirituality.

    You say:

    There is nothing wrong with prayer - we are all entitled to our beliefs. Prayer, meditation - call it what you will. It ends up being the same thing.

    I beg to differ, meditation is not prayer for most people, but rather reflection on events and an exercise in calming negative stimulus and peruance of peace, of environment, our mind, body and inner being towards peace and harmony.
    While some may pray in their own way for this, others reflect and take a look at what they can do to facilitate peace and harmony without relying on devine intervention.

    Mr. Mahood could have just as easily joined our circle of concern and practice in the silent stand for peace and harmony rather than take over the helm and put himself at the top of a prostelitising speaking engagement lacking humility while edifying self.

  • harryRsole_2 3/19/2010 11:38:25 AM - Report Abuse

    are they gonna offer up some of their billions of dollars to help the USW
    didn't think so
    but here's a prayer to help you get through this

  • skndstry 3/19/2010 11:33:17 AM - Report Abuse

    There is nothing wrong with prayer - we are all entitled to our beliefs. Prayer, meditation - call it what you will. It ends up being the same thing.

    It appears this event will involve many denominations - and I've yet to see it written that only Christian sects are invited. Sharethewealth - I see no reason the group you refer to cannot be a part of it. And I don't think the United Church has ever been branded "fundamentalist" before. You speak of intolerance? Re-read your post.

    Finally - this is about families affected by the strike. Not one side or the other. Keep your partisan comments to yourself.

    Jeremy Mahood is a good man. The cynicism of some of the posters here speaks volumes to their own lack of character, not his.

  • CCNR@IPC 3/19/2010 10:53:07 AM - Report Abuse

    What an incredible Generous offer..
    We thank you Jeremy Mahood for doing this for the city of Sudbury.


    Any one seen Rick?

  • harryRsole_2 3/19/2010 10:48:22 AM - Report Abuse

    WoW
    The last hope of desperate men lol
    like repenting on your deathbed
    too funny
    Even Jebus ain't gonna help you guys
    I was talking to him last week, and thinks you guys are knobs too :)

  • Phillip Morris 3/19/2010 10:39:11 AM - Report Abuse

    As for all the pro Steelworker bloggers...
    Your posts speak volumes of your character...
    USW(the great reprentative of labour) has 3/4's of it's largest Canadian ​o​p​e​r​a​t​i​o​n​s​ ​o​u​t​ ​o​n​ ​a​ ​l​a​b​o​u​r​ ​d​i​s​p​u​t​e​.​.​.

    S​u​d​b​u​r​y​-​8​8​.​7​%​.​.​.​N​O
    V​o​i​s​e ​y​'​s​ ​B​a​y​-​1​0​0​%​.​.​.​N​O
    P​o​r​t​ ​C​o​l​b​o​r​n​e​-​9​8​.​2​%​.​.​.​N​O
    T​h​o​m​p​s​o​n​ ​M​a​n​i​t​o​b​a​-​ ​S​t​i​l​l​ ​w​o​r​k​i​n​g - WHY?
    Because somehow only that local managed to not lose money and have huge legacy costs compared to Sudbury.

    A​t​ ​t​h​e​ ​e​n​d​ ​o​f​ ​T​h​o​m​p​s​o​n​'​s​ ​c​o​n​t​r​a​c​t​ ​t​h​e​y​ ​w​i​l​l​ ​b​e​ ​m​a​k​i​n​g​ ​m​o​r​e​ ​t​h​a​n​ ​S​u​d​b​u​r​y​.​.​.​. Pehraps its time for our local union thugs to call Manitoba and ask how to actually be efficient and cooperative with their employer?

  • camoman 3/19/2010 10:28:11 AM - Report Abuse

    I would like to say THANK YOU Paster Jeremy Mahood, that is a very humane and compassionate thing to do...
    .
    As for all the pro vale bloggers...
    Your posts speak volumes of your character...
    .
    vale(the benevolent) has 3/4's of the Canadian operations out on a labour dispute...
    Sudbury-88.7%...NO
    Voisey's Bay-100%...NO
    Port Colborne-98.2%...NO
    Thompson Manitoba- Still working
    At the end of Thompson's contract they will be making more than Sudbury....
    Anyone willing to bet that Thompson will be next to be hit....

  • Seamus 3/19/2010 9:37:38 AM - Report Abuse

    A day of prayer for a country on the verge of invasion by Nazi Germany.
    A day of prayer for a nation in mourning after terrorist attacks by Jihad extremists.
    And now a day of prayer for city being held ransom by a bunch of greedy thugs?
    Yes, Jeremy, I guess there is some far fetched sense to your line of reasoning.
    Sorry, but I’m just not naive enough to agree with it.

  • Lloyd 3/19/2010 9:21:16 AM - Report Abuse

    Praying is a good idea. Here are 3 ideas to pray for:
    1) that the USW will get some real leadership
    2) that the workers will get some common sense, and accept the very fair and reasonable offer from a good company that really has both the workers' and the company's long-term interests at heart.
    3) that once this completely unnecessary, foolhardy, and non-sensical strike is over, the workers will have the good sense to avoid such a thing in the future - regardless of what their so-called "leaders" think (who have all sorts of other agendas).

  • 2323 3/19/2010 9:17:42 AM - Report Abuse

    Is't OK to Pray, because I BELIEVE in GOD, but God will help the poeples that want to be help, but I don't believe that's gone a help BECAUSE the strickers are to greety and to lazy to back to work point and simple...It's time That they find there self another job somewhere else and then they'll see what is the REAL LIFE...bunch of idiots, you had it made, but NOOOOOOO, you guys want more....now STOP Complain and START praying for a change of mine, BETTER A STUDY JOB THEN NOTHING AT ALL!!!!GOD want everybody love & happiness not GREETY & MOODY..GOD BLESS EVERYONES...

  • Willie Wonka! 3/19/2010 8:55:36 AM - Report Abuse

    My goodness I have heard it all, get a life, and pray for those who really need it, like the weak, the poor, the hungry, the sick!!!! Not the clowns who choose not to work!

  • Share the Wealth_1 3/19/2010 1:55:28 AM - Report Abuse

    This just goes to show how religious fundamentalists like this just can't co-operate with others including both religious and non religious individuals and groups who have already initiated a "Circle of Concern" whereby anyone is invited to participate and could either pray, or meditate in silence as they stand together in support of peace and non violence and a fair and equitable resolution to the labor dispute. Mr. Mahood, just wants a photo op and a means to get up on his self serving soap box and preach his own brand of religion that everyone knows is not very kind or courteous to non fundamental religious zealots. This religous postering should not be permitted on the public grounds of Tom Davies Square, keep it in your church.

  • wallbanger 3/19/2010 1:16:48 AM - Report Abuse

    god is in control of all things. he will frustate the ways of the wicked.is there linkage here. he will end this strike in his time period

  • bcarefulwutuwish4 3/19/2010 12:42:24 AM - Report Abuse

    Just what we need a bunch of bible thumpers pffffffft

  • Don S. 3/19/2010 12:39:23 AM - Report Abuse

    Something tells me the at the donations are down at these places so they want to drum up some more business....

  • lmmbm 3/18/2010 10:53:07 PM - Report Abuse

    I think they are best to pray for our planet....the USW workers have it made and they just don't know it.

  • Big Ern_1 3/18/2010 7:46:10 PM - Report Abuse

    Yeah this should end it pray to the great sky wizard.I know whiteswan I am going to hell for a long long time

  • Phillip Morris 3/18/2010 6:33:00 PM - Report Abuse

    Pray that 6500 comes to its senses before its too late.
    Oops.
    It is.
    One day too long.
    Fera, Fraser, and Gerard, remember the words of Bruce Ismay? "Even God Himself could not sink this ship."

  • whiteswan69_1 3/18/2010 5:10:56 PM - Report Abuse

    You should not say stupid things about the Catholic Church.It just goes to show that you don't know anything about Catholics.The Catholic Church and the Priests have prayed a lot with the Catholic people so that the strike ends soon.

  • gabdan 3/18/2010 4:15:06 PM - Report Abuse

    Where is the Catholic Church? They never get involved with such great causes... Maybe it's because "they are too worthy" to get invovled.. SAD to see this...
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