The bishops note that the cuts are part of a pattern of cuts to other development agencies, including the Mennonite Central Committee. They ask Catholics to make up for the government cuts with their charitable donations.
“One of our roles in civil society is to give voice to the values of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said the letter signed by Regina Archbishop Daniel Bohan, Prince Albert Bishop Albert Thévenot, Saskatoon Bishop Donald Bolen and Ukrainian Eparch of Saskatoon Bishop Bryan Bayda.
“For Catholics, there is a duty of justice and solidarity with our fellow human beings,” wrote the bishops of Quebec in a statement urging Catholics to give more and to write to International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda.
In London, Ont., Bishop Ron Fabbro issued a statement in support of Development and Peace to be read at all Masses.
“This year will be particularly challenging for Development and Peace because it was just informed that the funding it will receive from the Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency will be severely reduced, effective immediately,” said the statement read just before Solidarity Sunday collections March 25.
In Chicoutimi, Que., Bishop André Rivest invited parishioners to increase contributions to Development and Peace in a letter issued just before Solidarity Sunday.
In a move supported by the Saskatchewan bishops, the more than 265 members of the Facebook group “Fast for Development and Peace, protest deep CIDA cuts to D&P!!” are dedicating their Good Friday fast to the cause of Development and Peace.
“Development and Peace is one of the most important organizations that work for solidarity rather than charity,” wrote Erynne Michelle on the Facebook page. “It is something I fully support and will continue to support in my prayers, words and actions.”
In a five-point program the group urges Catholics to fast from sunrise to sunset and give the money that would normally be spent on food to Development and Peace, write letters to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, get the word out in their parishes, try to involve clergy and religious in the protest and persuade bishops to support Development and Peace on diocesan web sites.
Bishops rally in support of D&P
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterBishops and lay people have come out swinging in defence of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace in the face of a massive funding cut from the federal government.
Development and Peace suffered a 65-per-cent cut in CIDA funding in March. Between 2011 and 2016 the government will supply $14.5 million to fund specific Development and Peace programs in seven countries. Over the previous five years CIDA had given $44.6 million. Development and Peace supports 186 local organizations in 33 countries.
The bishops of Saskatchewan have sent out a letter to all Catholics in the province warning that “these funding cuts will have a drastic effect.”
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