February 13, 2016

Rare, last resort

There comes a point as flames are consuming a house that a homeowner realizes it’s time to drop the fire extinguisher and grab the family jewels in the sad realization that the battle is lost.

Published in Editorial
February 4, 2016

It’s a start

A remarkable statement signed by more than 200 prominent political and religious leaders from the Muslim world has boldly asserted that Islamic persecution of Christians and others is “unconscionable” and must end if the world is to find peace.

Published in Editorial
January 28, 2016

Step back for peace

A historic treaty between the Vatican and Palestine came into effect on Jan. 2 with little fanfare. But it warrants discussion now on the heels of an Israeli land grab that underlines how far removed the Holy Land remains from peace.

Published in Editorial
January 14, 2016

Price of peace

Addressing U.S. congress last September, Pope Francis bluntly dissected the multi-billion-dollar international arms industry.

Published in Editorial
January 7, 2016

To the point

At a recent ordination of a bishop, Pope Francis shared his secrets for success. He advised the bishop to be a disciple of mercy and patience — and short homilies.

Published in Editorial
December 25, 2015

Lessons learned

Newspapers typically select a “person of the year” based on noble deeds or towering accomplishments. The world certainly abounds with such people, but rather than acclaim one of these for 2015 we instead commemorate Alan Kurdi.

Published in Editorial
December 17, 2015

Christmas wishes

For centuries pilgrims have arrived in Bethlehem at Christmas to celebrate where Christ was born at the site of the present-day Church of the Nativity. But this will be a December of modest crowds and muted celebrations due to an autumn of violence in the West Bank.

Published in Editorial
December 10, 2015

Deception exposed

Finally, a victory for common sense. Justice Michel Pinsonnault of Quebec Superior Court sounded a rare voice of reason when he ruled that Quebec’s so-called “medical aid in dying” legislation is no more than a euphemism for euthanasia. As they say, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck . . .

Published in Editorial
November 19, 2015

Stick to the plan

The recent terrorist attacks in Paris have sparked inevitable security worries and calls to slow down the plan to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by year’s end. That would be a mistake. The murder of at least 129 innocents in Paris underlines precisely why a massive refugee airlift is commendable and so urgent.

Published in Editorial
November 12, 2015

Let’s get at it

Justin Trudeau’s promise to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by year end is implausible. Totally ridiculous. Absurd. So let’s roll up our sleeves and make it happen.

Published in Editorial
November 5, 2015

Care, not killing

Most of Canada’s incoming parliamentarians were on the campaign trail in September and probably missed the inspiring address Pope Francis gave to U.S. Congress. If so, that’s a shame. His speech was made for America but a perfect fit for Canada.

Published in Editorial
October 29, 2015

Synod success

In his closing address at the Synod of Bishops on the Family, Pope Francis said the meeting of Church leaders was never intended to solve all the problems that afflict modern families. The Synod, he said, was a forum to study the family and assess its many challenges “fearlessly, without burying our heads in the sand.”

Published in Editorial
October 22, 2015

Sign of the times

For several decades a cornerstone of the work undertaken by the religious order founded in India by Mother Teresa was finding safe homes for orphaned children. Thousands of destitute and abandoned children have met loving parents through adoptions arranged by the Missionaries of Charity.

Published in Editorial
October 15, 2015

Make votes count

The newspaper business has a long tradition of endorsing candidates on the eve of an election.

Published in Editorial
October 8, 2015

Synod’s challenge

Pope Francis has energized debate about the threat to the planet’s natural environment. But now he faces an even greater challenge — mobilizing Catholics and society in general to tackle the man-made threat to the bedrock of our social environment, the family.

Published in Editorial