by Judi McLeod, Canadafreepress.com
October 6, 2004
If a man of the cloth decides to fight a Prime Minister from the pulpit, then it seems that the prime minister can fight him with the minions of Canada Customs and Revenue agency.
as reported in Calgary Herald scribe Mark Milkle’s column, Calgary Bishop Fred Henry was called and warned by Canada Customs and Revenue agency not to engage in partisan rhetoric during an election.
With his pen, Bishop Henry did denounce Prime Minister Paul Martin during last June’s federal election.
Strategically, there was no better time to do so.
In his June pastoral letter, the Bishop criticized so-called Catholic politicians like Martin for not upholding church teachings in their electoral duties, especially on fundamental issues such as abortion.
"all too many politicians try to hide behind statements such as: ‘I’m personally opposed to abortion, but I will not impose my belief or morality on others’ or `Because abortion is so controversial, I must remain neutral and let each person decide on their own,’ he wrote.
Unfortunately for the bishop, more than average members of the faithful got to read his pastoral letter.
among the "too many politicians" trying to hide behind statements, the bishop singled out Martin for claiming to be a devout Catholic while being pro-abortion and pro-gay marriage, among other things.
"I believe that the question, `If a dissident Catholic leader obstinately persists in opposing fundamental Church teaching, should he or she be turned away if they present themselves for communion,’ has to be answered in the affirmative," Bishop Henry said.
at the same time, Martin’s american counterpart, Catholic John Kerry was facing the same dilemma. although criticized by the clergy for his pro-abortion stand, Kerry continues to present himself for communion.
But the Canadian bishop who may escape the editing of his superiors, found an editor outside of the diocese.
"The tax bureaucrat asked if the Bishop would delete the letter from the church’s website," Milke wrote in his column, "to which he replied `no.’"
Milke asks, "Is it normal for tax auditors to contact spiritual leaders on matters of sacred practice and morality, something normally between them and voluntary adherents to their faith?"
The answer could very well be that nothing is sacred, including reference to the Christian God in prayer, displaying the crucifix or the gifting of copies of the Gideon bible to new Canadians at government swearing in ceremonies, as far as some elected politicians are concerned.
Few know this as well as archbishop adam Exner, the recently retired archbishop of Vancouver. "I am becoming more and more worried about the state of freedom in our country," the archbishop said at a September 29 award ceremony in Ottawa.
In his address, Exner warned that the growing judicial activism in Canada is changing laws and institutions beyond the restraint of democratic process. "Same-sex marriages are now legal in four provinces and one territory. But did any of this come from the people? It came from the courts, and when courts legislate, democracy is undermined," he said.
Exner said that real hope for reversing trends against life and marriage in society lies in Christians increasing their spiritual efforts, but he also said the laity must be more involved in the public square. "There are places like boardrooms and legislatures where bishops and priests cannot go. The laity must be active in promoting faith and justice in the marketplace."
The New Year of 2005 is just around the corner. The lowing of the cows and the bleating of the sheep will be heard in vast new pastures--the local council chambers across the land.
Canada Free Press founding editor Most recent by Judi McLeod is an award-winning journalist with 30 years experience in the print media. Her work has appeared on Newsmax.com, Drudge Report, Foxnews.com, Glenn Beck. Judi can be reached at: judi@canadafreepress.com
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