Conservatives promising to open an office to support religious freedoms

Another example of the Social Conservative (SoCon) agenda that the current Conservative caucus is moving towards. The Conservatives have promised to fund a centre to promote religious freedoms around the world. One example he gives is the persecution that the Coptic Christians experience in Egypt. But I wonder if they will treat all religious persecutions equally?

The historic tradition in Western democracies is a separation of church and state. Although there is some dabbling in each other's affairs (The Vatican making political statements, and governments observing religious traditions), in recent memory there has not been a real merging of the two...until now.

The Conservatives want to help Coptic Christians in Egypt, but will they defend with the same vigour Tibetans in China? Muslim sects persecuted by other Muslim sects? And what about the Morman sect in British Columbia that believes in polygamy? Will the Conservatives fight for their rights? Where is the line? What constitutes a religion? Will they recognize the Falun Gong?

This issue is politically polarizing and obviously catering to their Christian core support. This office will more likely support lifting Christian persecution only, instead of all religions (unless it garners votes from a particular religious group). And how is the publicly funded centre hope to achieve their objectives? Do they really think they will be able to influence foreign governments through this office?

No. This is first and foremost a vote grab for religious voters. Second, it's a vote grab for particular religious groups that feel persecuted (such as Coptic Christians in Egypt). And although promoting religious freedoms around the world may be a good idea, it is not something that should be part of an election promise, especially when public funds are being committed to it.