If John Turner hadn’t been talked out of it by his boss at the powerful Montreal law firm of Stikeman Elliott, he might have been a priest and not a politician. But he would have been one of those priests who wield power and influence under the genial guise of amusing tales, loyal friendships and long dinners within longer conversations.
Lacroix proposing ‘break’ from catechesis
By Philippe Vaillancourt, Catholic News ServiceQUEBEC CITY -- Cardinal Gerald Lacroix asked parishes in the Archdiocese of Quebec to “pause” their catechetical programs to give them time to think about what comes next.
Canadian bishops' plenary adapts to the times
By Brian Dryden, Canadian Catholic NewsOTTAWA -- The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a challenging learning experience for the Catholic Church in Canada, and that continued when the first-ever online Plenary Assembly of Canada’s bishops began Sept. 21 as bishops from across the nation gathered in front of their computers to get down to business.
Quebec faith groups protest restrictions
By Francois Gloutnay, Catholic News ServiceMONTREAL -- The Quebec government took religious leaders by surprise by announcing Sept. 20 that the maximum number of people allowed to participate in an event in a place of worship would be lowered from 250 to 50 in all regions of the province, starting Sept. 21.
Mining petition to be aired, should government stand
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterIf the Liberal government stands past the Sept. 23 throne speech, Martin Blanchet’s seven-year battle to get somebody with authority to look into how Canadian mining companies and others treat workers, communities and the environment in poor countries will finally get an airing in the House of Commons.
Parents unite to fight racism
By Wendy-Ann Clarke, The Catholic RegisterParents in York Region looking for support while advocating for their Black children within the education system have another place to turn.
Faith leaders join forces over suicide strategy
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterA Saskatchewan judge has ruled against the provincial government and in favour of the religious freedom of a Métis man fasting and praying on the front lawn of the Saskatchewan legislature for a more robust suicide prevention strategy.
Closing churches ‘the most horrible thing’
By Quinton Amundson, The Catholic RegisterCardinal Thomas Collins said there is no mistaking what the last six months of dealing with COVID-19 has been: a plague on our world.
Canadians want real debate on abortion, says MP
By Brian Dryden, Canadian Catholic NewsOTTAWA -- An MP who wants a law to make it illegal to abort an unborn child based solely on a baby’s sex thinks her biggest challenge is not to convince Canadians of this, but instead is to convince those in the halls of power.
Edmonton college now offering Catholic Studies degree
By Canadian Catholic NewsEDMONTON -- Newman Theological College has launched a new three-year Bachelor of Arts in Catholic Studies degree, targeting students who want a classical education combined with intellectual rigour and faith tradition.
Counselling offered to Vancouver clergy abuse victims
By Canadian Catholic NewsVANCOUVER -- The Archdiocese of Vancouver is following through on the first recommendation in last year’s clergy sexual abuse report by establishing an external office to handle clergy sexual abuse complaints.