Last Updated:Friday - 09/24/2010

WCR Letters to the Editor

Religion protects the state

Tim Heaman disingenuously accuses Archbishop Exner of being disingenuous for conveying his concern that the Supreme Court of Canada is making decisions that rightfully belong to Canadians through parliamentary representation. The good bishop speaks for millions of Canadians who have every right to be frightened of the SCOC's soon-to-be definition of marriage.

As Pope John Paul has repeatedly stated, the family is the "primary and vital cell of society." All people of goodwill should challenge a prevailing order where the health of the family is threatened and society in turn will suffer. The archbishop's stated concerns are entirely credible.

In the name of the Charter of Rights, the court has arrogantly assumed it has the right to legislate morality, without regard to its limited role in society. The court is the servant of Canadians but it acts like its master.

Heaman should be reminded that an increasing autocratic judicial system, encouraged by the Supreme Court, has in the recent past methodically and deliberately sought to remove the Christian influence from the public square. In just the past two years, it has usurped the authority of the Catholic schools to conduct their affairs in accordance with Catholic teaching, has denied business people the right of refusal to print materials deemed offensive, and has prohibited Christian school teachers the right to express their opinions in public. This is merely the beginning of what is likely to be a persistent and wholesale persecution of faithful Christians.

Toronto's Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic stated it most eloquently by warning that "religion will soon need to be protected from the state. Separation of Church and state now means the separation of conscience from politics." Norm Cafik, former cabinet minister under Prime Minister Trudeau, stated "that the time will shortly come when Christians who dare to speak out will be thrown to the judges and lawyers instead of the lions."

Tony Vogrincic
Edmonton

WCR editorial prompts ethics priority check

Thanks for reminding us of that great homily give by Pope John Paul.

The words of this prophet were ignored or unheard, and 20 years later, his words are being realized as we read your editorial.

We are busy about many things in the world and in the Church, and we don't heed the pope's warning.

Thank you for reminding us of what was spoken right here in Edmonton. Perhaps this memory check will help us to change our priorities and our modus agendi.

Fr. Clem Gauthier
Assumption Parish
Edmonton

Blessed Sacrament School, parish raises money for Brazil

This is true of Blessed Sacrament Parish as well, a legacy, I believe, of the marvellous pastoral work done there in the 1950s and '60s by the Scarboro men and Oblate Father James Schnerch.

The article failed, however, to mention the most dramatic manifestation of this sense of community.

Each Advent, for the past six years, Blessed Sacrament school and parish have raised between $12,000 and $15,000 for development projects in San Salvador and in Brazil's impoverished Northeast.

The Catholic community of Wainwright is relatively small and their annual Advent achievement is most remarkable.

I know of no North American community of similar size that can match it. In Wainwright, words become deeds.

Alphonse Gerwing
Lake Lenore, Sask.

Elect a caring gov't

Or instead is their goal to feel significant through the limelight? Do they respect the dignity and appreciate all human beings? We all contribute to this world whether we're a writer, teacher, mother, janitor or a struggling homeless person. If we just take the time to listen we might have a chance to learn and grow from this person. Do they care about the environment and the concerns the world is facing with it?

The world is in such a turmoil, we also need people who want to set an example by keeping peace in their office.

Let's elect a caring government and be proud of it.

M.B. Fortier
Vegreville

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