The Catholic Register - Readers Speak Out

Written by Catholic Register Readers,

Issue looms large

Sincere thanks for the informative editorial (“It gets worse,” July 6-13) on the human rights tribunals' abuse of power — federal and provincial. These examples can be missed amid all the topics that vie for our attention from day to day, but taken country-wide it shows how alarming the issue is.

Through you, thanks to Calgary Bishop Fred Henry for speaking so forthrightly to the premier of Alberta and taking a stand in this very important matter. His listing of dates and names in the different provinces shows the escalation of such abuses and the enormity of the erosion of personal rights and freedoms.

Alice Leclair
Pembroke, Ont.

Bring troops home

When I read the article (“Canada needed in Afghanistan — for now” (July 6-13), it made it seem as if I was reluctantly approving Canada's continued military presence in Afghanistan. This is not the case. My position, and the position of Catholics for Peace Toronto, is that Canada's military presence should be withdrawn immediately, unconditionally.

While I admitted to the “practical” difficulties of such a move, in the eyes of the world, I also said (but it didn't make the article) that being a Christian means doing what is right, not what is practical. An immediate campaign of prayer for our enemies and continued unconditional non-military support is what is required, not prolonged war. The Gospel calls us on us to win our enemies over with love, not to vanquish them with force — or we become what we seek to defeat.

Deacon Steve Barringer
Catholics for Peace
Toronto, Ont.

A glass half full

Regarding the June 22 editorial, “Declined with thanks,” a process that began four years ago in an open and transparent manner and included any and all members of Our Lady of Grace who wished to become involved ended in a decision made by a few highly partisan individuals behind closed doors.

The pastor had a choice. He could have presented the glass-half-full scenario that this church was being donated and we would work with the donor to design the interior to satisfy all parties and that, further, the old church building could be re-purposed at our discretion. He could have promoted the future home of an already thriving faith community and all the milestones that would have been celebrated there.

Instead he chose to present the half-empty scenario by getting the committees to believe Stronach's vision was being shoved down their throats to the total exclusion of parish participation.

The strength of the faith community of Our Lady of Grace could most certainly be sustained and thrive with a gifted church. After all, the true building blocks of a church are its members, not bricks and mortar.

I find it impossible to justify the pastor's actions and wonder how many others question the outcome of this situation. Does anyone in the parish care to have the issued re-opened?

Rocco Marcello
Aurora, Ont.

Clear direction

Toronto is blessed with an archbishop who has taken swift and decisive action to protect Canadian children and families from the horror of escalating abortion. The scandalous choice of Henry Morgentaler as a recipient of the Order of Canada seems to have been calculated to normalize abortion in the public mind. We must not let this happen.

Members of the archdiocese, pro-life Canadians and all men and women of good will owe Archbishop Thomas Collins intense gratitude for his courage, clarity and guidance at a time of crisis. He has told us what to do (protest), how to do it (respectfully), and when to do it (now). Without such precise directives, many of us would have been left to endure the shock in helpless dismay.

Lise Anglin
Toronto, Ont.

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