“Whether it is floods in Indonesia, refugees fleeing rebel troops in Darfur, innocent victims of a terrorist attack in Afghanistan or an affront to human rights in any part of the world, we no longer can plead ignorance or remain indifferent,” writes conference president Archbishop Andre Gaumond in a leaflet that outlines the role and activities of the bishops’ conference. “Never in human history have the terms ‘joint action,’ ‘mutual support’ and ‘solidarity’ been so important as today.”

Gaumond writes about how much more he now appreciates the role of the conference nationally and internationally. It has intervened before legislative committees on Parliament Hill and in the media on a range of issues from social justice, to the environment, to the dignity of human life.

The bishops have maintained ecumenical dialogues and relationships with other faith groups, including common projects.

The conference combines the forces of about 90 bishops in 71 dioceses, allowing them to collaborate on the national and international level. According to the pamphlet, the CCCB “offers the bishops a forum to discuss their ministry, the life of the church and the major events that shape society.”

Through the CCCB Publications Service, it offers more than 300 titles. The bishops’ web site also provides resources for its millions of visitors since 1995, providing access to documents, news releases and other resources.

It also co-sponsors the Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) to support families and life issues, and 40 years ago founded the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace as its overseas development and emergency relief agency. To date Development and Peace has contributed $460 million towards various projects in the Global South.