The wave of responses to my recent blog about “screaming Christians” making life miserable for Metrotown residents was quick and angry.
The pent-up frustration of local residents was unleashed into my email inbox because they finally felt seen.
“They spew such vile garbage that it’s hard not to lash out at them,” one resident wrote.
“I shouldn’t have to live with this every day,” wrote another.
But one resident in particular had quite a tale to tell about being targeted simply for politely asking for some quiet.
I am one of the residents of Metrotown who have been suffering as a result of the angry shouting every weekend for years now,” wrote Laura. “Just like your interviewees said, I also contacted the city, the police non-emergency line, and transit police and to no avail.
“I also have a story to share with you. A year ago, one of the angry preachers was passing right in front of my apartment playing very loud religious music and I asked him politely to please put the volume down and he responded with a barrage of abuse and rudeness. Ever since then, he deliberately walks past the window and plays that music or yells loudly in his microphone while walking through our residential side street. I had thought I was dealing with a normal human being with some consideration for others who may be tired and trying to have some peace and quiet, but clearly I was wrong. I just wanted to confirm what others have told you about these preachers and their abusiveness, anger and the noise they are making and how they are negatively affecting others. While I do believe that everyone is entitled to their personal and religious beliefs, no one has the right to force their beliefs on others as those preachers seem to want to do.”
Won’t anyone in any level of government do something about this? This situation is out of control.
It’s ridiculous and offensive, both in the disgusting words being spoken and the fact that some residents have to put up with it.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
