Readers Speak Out: March 7, 2021
Open doors
Re: Woman granted voting rights for bishops’ synod (Feb. 14):
After reading the article concerning the appointment of Sr. Nathalie Becquart to the general secretariat of the synod of bishops, it made me think of Jennie Trout and Emily Stowe, the first female physicians in Canada, some 140 years ago, and the suffragist movement which very gradually gave the vote to women in Canada.
The Canadian bishops' conference and its international development agency will discontinue funding for 24 partners following the completion of a joint subcommittee’s review of international partner organizations that receive funding from Canadian Catholics.
Readers Speak Out: February 28, 2021
Bad match
Re: Missal updated in Canada (Feb. 21):
Changing the Collect Prayer to read “God, forever and ever” ignores the beauty of the English language itself, which clearly expresses the community of the Holy Father in His three divine personas: the Lord Himself, the Holy Son and the Spirit. Saying “One God” reminds the believer that God’s magnificence is embodied by three partners who are united in one form, the Trinity.
Supreme Court denies appeal of Saskatchewan Catholic school funding
The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed a Saskatchewan public school board’s leave to appeal the Theodore school decision, which enshrines in law public funding for non-Catholic students attending Catholic schools. The Feb. 25 decision confirms the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal’s unanimous decision last March that overturned a 2017 ruling by Justice Donald Layh that sought to limit the funding of non-Catholics in the Prairie province’s Catholic schools.
Readers Speak Out: February 21, 2021
Special niece
Re: Is technology threatening our humanity? (Jan. 17):
I was impressed with Charles Lewis’ article. We have a niece who is Down’s Syndrome. Sarah is now 39. She was born with major heart and other problems. I was working in Kingston when her parents brought her as a baby to the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, I was shocked what I saw — this little baby with tubes and machines keeping her alive.
Missal updated in Canada
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has agreed to adjust the English-language wording to the conclusion of the Collect (the opening prayer) in the Roman Missal approved for use in Canada.
Abuse victim can reopen claim against London diocese, top court rules
A victim of former priest and notorious sexual abuser Charles Sylvestre can reopen her civil suit against the Diocese of London, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled Feb. 11.
Readers Speak Out: February 14, 2021
Insulting stance
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has no trouble seeing the log in Donald Trump’s eye while ignoring the blinder covering his own eye!
Readers Speak Out: February 7, 2021
Papal protection
Re: “Windsor scholar studies rise in local anti-Semitism” (Jan. 24):
I would like to thank Dr. John Cappucci for his research into anti-Semitism in the Windsor area. This is a very important issue that should not be downplayed, as anti-Semitism is still very much alive.
Readers Speak Out: January 31, 2021
Bad fruit
Re: Biden poses issues for U.S. bishops (Jan. 17):
I am sick and tired of Catholics in general and the leadership in the Church supporting cultural Catholics/Christians.