VOL. 8 NO. 2 June, 2005

CCRL marks 20th anniversary PARLIAMENTARY CCRL appears League members and their guests celebrated CCRL’s 20th anniversary with a gala dinner April 21 featuring a keynote address by Father Tom before Committee Lynch, dean of studies at St. Augustine’s Seminary, and the inauguration and presentation of the Archbishop Adam Exner Award for Catholic on Bill C-38 Excellence in Public Life. UPDATE In an inspiring talk that addressed Urges the withdrawal or substantial amendment of bill the league’s mandate: Upholding Church Teaching in the Public May 31, 2005 – The Catholic Civil Rights League (www.ccrl.ca) today Square, Father Lynch told appeared before the Legislative Committee on Bill C-38 to argue on behalf attendees that the laity have a of upholding the traditional definition of marriage. Bill C-38, which would responsibility to try to make a extend the definition of civil marriage to couples of the same sex, has difference in public life. passed second reading and will go back to the House of Commons for final reading and vote upon the completion of committee hearings. “With a full month’s worth of news devoted to the papacy, With roughly 24 hours notice of an we’ve seen a real feeding frenzy invitation to appear, the League Bill French, vice president, and Phil on the part of the media, and was represented by President Phil Horgan, president, with the Archibishop most of us have seen plenty of Horgan and Regional Director Adam Exner Award examples of misinformation, Richard Bastien. The CCRL was half-truths and downright ignorance in the coverage of the death of Pope grouped with delegations from John Paul and election of Pope Benedict,” said Father Lynch. “But Parents and Friends of Lesbians complaining about it or criticizing it isn’t enough. We have a responsi- and Gays, the Canadian Labour bility to provide them with the truth.” Congress (in favour), and Pat O’Brien, one of the 35 Liberal MPs Father Lynch, who frequently appears in the media to provide who voted against the bill at commentary on issues of concern to the Church, and completed more second reading. than 40 interviews during the recent conclave, commended the work of MP Pat O’Brien, Phil Horgan and Richard Bastien at the committee hearing the league and its individual members for their work in media monitoring The League’s presentation stated and media relations. that Church teaching requires that all persons be treated with equal dignity and respect. Marriage, the brief said, is not a question of equality but Noting that action is also sorely needed on the legislative and judicial rather of historical and cultural definition, set apart and enshrined by all fronts, Father Lynch said that such issues as the protection of life and the societies because of its unique ability to produce and nurture children. redefinition of marriage have spurred a new and welcome degree of collaboration among faith groups. “This is pluralism at its best, a strong Urging the government to either withdraw Bill C-38 or make substantial and mighty tool to build civilization together.” amendments to guarantee freedom of religion and freedom of conscience, the brief itemized the many concerns Bill C-38 raises for all religious Father Lynch noted that many League members and supporters know groups, charities affiliated with Churches, schools and those employed in people who would be excellent candidates for legislatures or the the solemnization of civil marriage. judiciary. “Instead of just complaining about the caliber of people brought forward for public life, we need to recruit and nominate the people who “In its presentation to the committee, representatives of the Canadian can make a positive difference for society. Conference of Catholic Bishops were attacked for having “stone-age” points of view. We sought to focus on the recent examples of how the “Perhaps we Catholics need to act like a think tank” said Father Lynch. redefinition of marriage has led to persecution of religious leaders and “We need to say, what kind of policies do we want to put forward, what groups” said Mr. Horgan. “In fact, some of these things – including human kind of basic view of the church do we want to put forward, and most rights complaints against clergy for upholding the teachings of their faiths, especially, what view of society do we feel must be put forward? Perhaps teachers being suspended for writing letters to the editor, and challenges then the media will be more willing to listen to us.” based on refusal of services – are already happening.”

Continued page 8 Continued page 8

CARDINAL RATZINGER IN TORONTO: A REFLECTION By Thomas Langan President Emeritus

In the summer of 1965, I took two months leave from my chairmanship of the philosophy department at Indiana University, in order to improve my German. Only days after arriving in Munich, I was hearing about the new archbishop, Josef Ratzinger. People raved about his brilliant mind. Hearing him preach once in JUNE the Cathedral, where he radiated peace and extraordinary lucidity, I little thought that I ever would come to know him personally. Several

2005 years later, I became active in the Communio movement, founded by Hans Urs Cardinal von Balthasar, Josef Cardinal Ratzinger and Henri Cardinal de Lubac, and encountered him regularly. (Today, Communio publishes a journal edited in a dozen languages.)

Shortly after Cardinal Ratzinger's appointment as Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, I seized an opportunity of inviting him to give a lecture at the University of Toronto, my new employer. I later learned from his colleagues in that his Eminence had been eager to find a forum in North America, from which he could outline his approach to key doctrinal issues.

Such a large crowd came that it was necessary to move the venue to the university's Field House. Though many had come to challenge him, the huge public was very responsive. An anecdote typifies the atmosphere: A few minutes into the question period, when the inevitable antagonistic rhetorical question was thrown at him: 'Is it not true your Eminence that … that… and furthermore is it not the case that…; finally, must you not agree that…'.The Cardinal's secretary standing at his left, and I, standing at his right, spontaneously and simultaneously whispered in his ears: 'Say no!' The Cardinal turned to each of us with a big smile, before proceeding, in a gentle and courteous way, to correct and re-orient every detail of his opponent’s challenge. He then thanked him for the opportunity to clarify his own stand on some important issues. During his two days visit, the relaxed Cardinal charmed everyone with his openness and his kindness.

The new Holy Father will now have a better opportunity to show the depth, the wisdom and the clarity of his faith. They are evident in his theological work, but will now be made more accessible to the average Christian, and to the world at large. will soon discover Pope Benedict’s avid devotion to ecumenical progress and the clarity with which he communicates the unique contribution the is called to make to the unity Christ prayed for on the eve of his death. May God grant him a long and healthy life, for the sake of us all.

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1985 2005 REGIONAL ROUNDUP

www.ccrl.ca EASTERN CANADA The league’s chapter in Antigonish, NS, has continued its opposition to the province’s sex education manual for public schools by distributing 1,000 booklets on chastity through school and Church groups. Members also sent a busload of people to a Defend Marriage rally in Kentville. The chapter’s Executive Officers year-end barbecue will take place this month. Chaplain In St. John’s, Nfld. league director Patrick Hanlon made a presentation to the Senate Committee on Most Rev. Adam Exner, O.M.I. Transport and Communications, which held meetings throughout the Maritimes in April to examine the current state of Canadian media industries; emerging trends and developments in these industries; President Emeritus the media’s role, rights, and responsibilities in Canadian society; and current and appropriate future Thomas Langan policies. Mr. Hanlon discussed several incidents from national television in which he felt Catholic beliefs had been ridiculed or misrepresented, and that content inappropriate for children had been President broadcast before 9 pm. Committee members said all concerned viewers and consumers should Philip Horgan contact media outlets with reasonable letters documenting specific instances of a lack of balance or fairness in reporting, stating that such letters do have an impact. Vice President C. William French TORONTO CHAPTER Treasurer Most of the Toronto chapter turned out to support the May 24 Defend Marriage rally at Queen’s Park, John Sidle where at least 3,500 people gathered to hear speakers and musicians defending the traditional definition of marriage. Speakers from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other religions attended, Director including Bishop Pearse Lacey, retired bishop of Toronto. Frederick W. Hill, O.C. The chapter remains active in media monitoring, with numerous letters to the editor published about Regional Directors the legacy of Pope John Paul and the coverage of the March4Marriage. Members also meet for Mass on the first Wednesday of each month. Western Region Sean Murphy QUEBEC SCHOOLS TO DISCONTINUE CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION Edward De Vita QUEBEC CITY - Quebec will eliminate religious instruction in schools in 2008 but the government will continue to use the notwithstanding clause of the Constitution for three more years to prevent a court National Capital Region challenge and allow Catholic and Protestant instruction to continue until then. Richard Bastien Newton C. Steacy Education Minister Jean-Marc Fournier introduced a law in May that will replace Protestant and Roman Catholic teaching with academic instruction on ethical, religious and cultural matters. "The Ontario Region Catholic religion will be strongly represented and will still be important," he said after he introduced C. William French the law. "The new program will recognize Quebec's Christian heritage as an important part of our John Shea culture but will include larger perspectives and will be more open to cultural diversity." Mr. Fournier said the three-year delay is necessary so educators can prepare the replacement Quebec Region Nicholas Newman program that will be taught to all Quebec students. Jean Morse-Chevrier Msgr. Pierre Morissette of the Assembly of Quebec Catholic Bishops told Canadian Press he was disappointed Church teachings will no longer play a major part in Quebec schools. Cardinal Marc Maritime Region Ouellet of Quebec City was reported in the Gazette (May 20 2005) as saying that the new program C. Joe MacLellan should be offered only for those who don’t want the traditional religion classes for their children and Patrick Hanlon plans to present his case at legislature hearings. The Church has fought the growing call to eliminate religious teachings in school since the 1960s. Executive Director and Editor Joanne McGarry These changes continue a process begun in 1997 when school boards were re-organized along linguistic rather than religious lines. At that time, CCRL urged parents to lobby politicians to preserve 301-46 St. Clair Ave. E.. religious content in Quebec schools, citing the strong role Catholic schools had played in preserving Toronto, ON M4T 1M9 Quebec’s identity, the right to denominational schooling under Section 93 of the BNA Act, and to the Tel: (416) 466-8244 right of parents to control their children’s education. Fax: (416) 466-0091 League Director Jean Morse-Chevrier is president of the Catholic Parents Association of Quebec/ [email protected] Association des Parents Catholiques de Quebec, which has organized a petition to Premier Charest Civil Rights is the official newsletter of encouraging the preservation of parents’ rights to choose denominational education. The group, as the Catholic Civil Rights League. well as the Quebec Assembly of Bishops, was scheduled to make a presentation on May 31st to the For reprints or additional copies of this parliamentary committee on the new program. It is asking parents to continue lobbying the newsletter, please contact the League’s government for recognition of parents’ rights to religious freedom and to choice in moral and religious Toronto office at education for their children. For more information, contact Mrs. Morse-Chevrier at (416) 466-8244. [email protected] To join the Catholic Civil Rights League see membership form in newsletter (pg. 7).

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NEWS BRIEFS

Western to grant Morgentaler even though Mass is available at similar facilities throughout Ontario. degree over strong protest In a letter to Monte Kwinter, Ontario Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, the league said that the too-literal interpretation CCRL was one of the first groups to protest plans by the University of of the policy amounted to a violation of freedom of religion. In its Western Ontario to grant an honorary degree to Henry Morgentaler at response, the ministry told us that they recognize the need “to balance one of this month’s convocation ceremonies. In a letter to Western’s the religious rights of inmates in provincial institutions with the President and Vice-Chancellor, Paul Davenport, which was later assurance that in doing so, security requirements can also be met.” quoted in many newspapers, executive director Joanne McGarry urged After a review of the ministry’s multi-faith policy, officials issued a the governing body to reconsider its decision. “This man’s sole contri- memorandum allowing the use of alcoholized sacramental wine bution to Canada has been the taking of life in unprecedented where the teachings of a recognized faith group stipulate its use, numbers,” said Ms. McGarry, a Western graduate. “The wholesale provided appropriate security is in place. liberalization of abortion that he has championed is nothing to be Campus “ban” on Calgary student group lifted proud of, and has been extremely controversial and divisive every step of the way.” CALGARY - League members were concerned by reports in mid- March that campus security at the University of Calgary had prohibited The league encouraged Western alumni to consider discontinuing the student group Campus Pro-Life (CPL) from staging an exhibit. The their donations in protest of the honourary degree. display featured large, graphic images equating Canada’s policy of unrestricted, government-funded abortion with other atrocities in Bishop Ronald Fabbro of London, area pro-life groups, Catholic human history such as slavery and the Holocaust. The students argued colleges and countless alumni have also publicly protested the that the common thread is that these things all happened when a decision. A protest website (uwoprotest.com) collected almost 11,000 government decides that living humans of a particular class are not signatures in less than a month. Even the school’s chair of the board of fully human. governors, Don McDougall, issued an open letter in protest of the decision and the process by which it was reached. “Some people The league provided some timely advice to CPL about how to reclaim maintain that this is an example of courage and/or academic freedom. their right to freedom of expression. After numerous protests by local The fallout we have already experienced causes me to say it may be citizens, the university sent a formal letter to CPL’s lawyer stating that courageous but it may also be ill-advised in the extreme. These same any attempts to bring the exhibit on campus in future would not be people who may celebrate this decision as academic freedom fail to impeded by the university. appreciate the permanent scar it will inflict on our well earned reputation for good judgment.” Bank of Montreal cancels pro-life group’s affinity program There are conflicting reports about how much the decision has cost the university in fundraising dollars, but indications are that an impact is MONTREAL - The Bank of Montreal has announced that it will cease being felt. Mr. McDougall told The Globe and Mail that a $2 million to support a pro-life organization’s affinity MasterCard when the bequest had been cancelled, while retired Professor Doug Thain agreement expires next year because of a “small number” of believes the amount lost could be as high as $50 million. complaints. Life Canada had been part of the affinity card program, which allows non-profit organizations to raise money through its use, No one is happy about the possibility that students and research for over 10 years. Complaints began emerging in March following an projects might suffer as a result of this protest, but that choice was e-mail campaign by pro-abortion organizations urging their members made by the university committee that failed to be sensitive to the to stop using MasterCard until the bank ceased this support of a pro- views of all its community when it made this decision. While it life organization. A spokesperson for the bank said that the Affinity appears at this point that UWO will go ahead with the honour, the program was not meant to endorse any particular viewpoint, but league has helped spearhead a protest that we hope will prevent simply to drive business for the bank. “For whatever reasons, if it similar honours from being bestowed on Morgentaler by other organi- causes harm to BMO interests, it may be cause to reconsider.” zations. New Brunswick Hospital restores Bibles after Many thanks to the league members who have kept us posted about public protest their individual protests of this decision, and also to those who agreed to speak with the press about this controversy. Your views were very FREDERICTON, NB – Officials at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional effective. Hospital in Fredericton had Bibles, phone books and hospital Mass restored at Ontario correctional facility directories removed from bedsides in April to try to curb the spread of infection. Following widespread protest to the removal of Bibles, the A provincial jail in Lindsay, Ontario took the “letter of the law” too far hospital adopted a policy of sealing the Bibles in plastic bags and in April when officials interpreted a “zero tolerance” policy on alcohol disinfecting them after use. Bibles used by patients with certain to include sacramental wine. As a result, the chaplain at Central East infectious diseases will be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Ontario Corrections Centre was unable to celebrate Mass for inmates,

4

Pope John Paul II remembered

CCRL was one of many lay initiatives that drew its inspiration from the summons to them to build a better society. The world owes Pope John teachings of the Catholic Church under the leadership of Pope John Paul a special debt for the role he played in promoting freedom in Paul. Our tribute to him, issued upon his death, was greatly Eastern Europe and elsewhere. appreciated by our members and supporters and picked up by many publications. We also shared it with Catholic Members of Parliament “We are grateful that so many will benefit from his lasting legacy in to help them reflect on such questions as the definition of marriage, peacemaking and pray that this influence will continue to grow. We which will have lasting consequences for all of society. See Page 2 for are grateful for Pope John Paul’s powerful example of forgiveness that President Emeritus’ Tom Langan’s recollection of Pope Benedict XVI he taught throughout his pontificate, but especially when he paid a when the current pope visited Toronto in 1986. personal visit to his attacker following the assassination attempt in St. Peter’s Square. We were inspired in recent years by his example of TORONTO, April 2, 2005 – “CCRL joins all people of good will in bearing suffering with great dignity and courage. The world has lost giving thanks for the life of Pope John Paul II and in mourning his one of the greatest leaders of this or any age, and we hope and pray passing. Canadians, especially, remember the joyous feeling of unity that his influence will be long-lasting. and optimism we experienced during World Youth Days in 2002, and earlier during the papal visit of 1984 and the subsequent visit to Fort “Future generations will know this Pope as John Paul the Great.” Simpson in 1987. Pope John Paul was a man who brought spiritual growth and renewal to everyone. His special appeal to young people Philip Horgan, grew from his insistence on holding them to a higher standard of President of the Catholic Civil Rights League values than they have been spoon-fed by popular culture, and his

IN THE COURTS

Arguments have been completed in the BC Court of the newspaper on behalf of his political party.) All Appeal in the long-running case between Dr. these activities were on his own time, and no claim Christopher Kempling and the BC College of of harm to students was ever made. Teachers, but it will probably be several months before the judges release their decision. The case Dr. Kempling’s legal team included David Brown, will help decide whether Christian teachers and who represented the Canadian Religious Freedom other professionals have freedom of speech and Alliance (CRFA), of which the league is a member. In freedom of religion while identified as members of their professions. his argument, Mr. Brown said there should be an analysis of the Dr. Kempling is appealing a decision of the College that suspended difference between critical speech and discriminatory speech, which him for one month for writing letters to the editor objecting to the was not done in this case. He also said it’s quite possible to believe in promotion of homosexuality in the public school system. The case the inherent dignity of a person while concurrently holding that certain arose out of a complaint filed with the college in July, 2000. (He behaviours practiced by that person are immoral. He added that in the received a further three months’ suspension for criticizing the federal absence of harm to the school community, the speaker should receive government’s same sex marriage legislation in more recent letters to the benefit of the doubt.

THINKING OF Home Life Realty The Coalition for Life and Health, of which CCRL is a member, is BUYING OR SELLING? Centre Corp. appealing a provincial court’s refusal to grant it intervenor status in the Mississauga, Oakville & Toronto case between the province and Henry Morgentaler, who is seeking public funding for abortions performed at his New Brunswick Clinic. CALL ME TODAY AT In April, a court of Queen’s Bench judge denied the coalition’s 905-279-8300 application to participate, noting that the lawsuit was focused www.pauline4homes.com primarily on financial issues, so that the coalition’s focus on the Pauline O’Callaghan [email protected] Your Best morality of abortion wasn’t relevant. The coalition appealed. Sales Representative Way Home! Legal and development update

Many thanks for your continued contributions to the legal fund, and for the donations sent in response to our note card gift this spring. Through your generosity to the legal fund, we have been able to meet our commitments in our court expenses. Your donations in support of general development helped us co-sponsor the talk by theologian Scott Hahn in Toronto in April, provide professional reprints of our popular literature on marriage and divorce trends and MP voting intentions, and order additional copies of our newsletters for conventions and other events.

For information about newsletter sponsorship, please call Joanne at 416-466-8244 or e-mail [email protected]

5

LEAGUE MEDIA WATCH

Coverage of historic Vatican products, whether as consumers or advertisers, should be aware of what the company supports in this corner of its corporate spectrum." Mr. events draws cheers, jeers Horgan added that “we don’t expect to like everything we see in the media. We can only continue to urge that proper balance and responsi- Pope John Paul II was an international public figure who played an instru- bility be exercised in the coverage of our new Pope. Smear tactics are mental role in some of the defining events of the 20th century, including unworthy of professional journalists.” While there was no response to the the fall of communism. He was also an individual of powerful charisma, protest, the publication did print a letter in a subsequent edition from beloved by almost everyone, especially the young, and acknowledged as Toronto Chapter President Lukasz Petrykowski. a world leader by all. His writings and his speeches teach profound lessons about how Western civilization survived the tyranny of Nazism and communism only to face a new struggle with the forces of secular Rabble.ca materialism. His 28-year papacy was marked by his authoritative defense of orthodox Catholicism in its application to modern life. Some of the When league members contacted us to protest an insultingly anti-Catholic related documents, notably the 2003 Instruction: Considerations cartoon on the website rabble.ca, the league investigated and was quite Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between concerned about the ease with which the “Nazi” label was being thrown Homosexual Persons, were written by Cardinal Josef Ratzinger as prefect at Pope Benedict. Further investigation revealed that the publication has a of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith He is now Pope (see relationship with Alternatives.ca, which is funded by CIDA. We have been President’s Message, page 2). in touch with Aileen Carroll, Minister of International Cooperation, and asked her to review any funding relationship. “The league does not believe Catholic teachings on the so-called “hot button” topics of the day are not that any public money should be directed to a publication that freely popular with a lot of people, including some who remain within the insults Catholics, or indeed any other identifiable group. No matter how Church, and it would not be realistic to expect Pope John Paul to pass small the amount may be, it is unacceptable,” the league said in its letter. away without some negative comment about his legacy. The league A lively debate ensued, including coverage in The Ottawa Citizen, CBC believes the best way to encourage a balanced portrayal of Catholicism in and CTV News, and numerous radio stations. the media is to make our comments and our spokespersons available to the media in a professional way, and almost all of our staff and directors were League protest helps eBay quoted in the major media about both the legacy of Pope John Paul and the accession of Pope Benedict. To be sure, the media printed criticism change policy on posted goods aplenty, some of it in the category of “fair comment” from people both The league was among the first to protest the attempted sale on eBay of a within and outside of the Church. The sneering from those people who consecrated Communion host, which the seller had saved from a papal believe Church teachings on contraception (notably with regard to Mass in Florence in 1998. We’re pleased to note that the global online condoms in the fight against AIDS) and abortion cause overpopulation and auctioneering giant has changed its policy in the wake of the controversy the spread of disease deserved to be challenged. A letter from the league (League press releases, April 21). “We’re glad that the concerted efforts of about this subject to The Toronto Star, pointing out that the underlying so many individuals and groups, including the league, have led to this problem in Africa is multiple sex partners and the lack of empowerment for positive change in eBay’s policies,” said league President Phil Horgan. women, was not printed. “Because most of the posting processes are automated, we join eBay in encouraging all users to be vigilant about enforcing it.” In a letter to the As is the case with news coverage of most world events, there was some league, eBay’s Community Watch Team said the worldwide reaction really good reporting, such as CBC’s commentary with Father Thomas caused them to review their policies. They said they consulted with a Rosica and The National Post and Global News commentaries by Father number of users, especially Catholic users, and also sought input from Raymond de Souza. To the extent that there were any “new lows”, it was members of other faiths about sacred items that might be inappropriate for probably in the lack of reluctance on the part of most newspapers to print sale. “We have concluded that sales of the Eucharist, and similar highly extremely negative commentary, usually in the form of letters, before His sacred items, are not appropriate on eBay. We have, therefore, broadened Holiness was even buried. As our President Emeritus Tom Langan noted in our policies and will remove those types of listings should they appear on his interview with Canadian Catholic News, this was inappropriate simply the site in the future.” on the grounds of basic respect and politeness. As such, it probably would not have happened a generation ago. The fact that a consecrated host was removed from a Mass and saved for seven years is one aspect of the story the public press had no reason to Media interest in, and criticism of, the Church is fuelled by its status as a comment upon. This news story is a timely reminder that the Communion worldwide institution with 1.1 billion adherents and an agenda that often host is meant to be consumed immediately. finds itself at odds with contemporary mores. In a media age, popes become global figures. Public debate, disagreement, informed criticism and free comment are to be expected. Ill-informed or faulty reasoning or March for Marriage press coverage malicious personal attacks should be challenged. People who organize and participate in rallies for the pro-life or pro- marriage cause are more than accustomed to the under-reporting of their Eye Weekly events. The April 9 March for Marriage in Ottawa, organized by league member John Pacheco and attended by many CCRL supporters, illustrated The league protested a truly contemptible article in the Toronto giveaway both the ongoing problem of mis-reporting the numbers but also the newspaper Eye Weekly, which featured some very vulgar language to effectiveness of taking action. Attendance reports are notoriously elastic, describe the late Pope and claimed World Youth Day brought booming which is why experienced reporters usually rely on objective police business to the city’s gay community in the form of visiting clergy. (League estimates. In this case, the RCMP gave an estimate of 15,000, the largest press releases, April 26.) "It's easy to dismiss this obscene drivel as the political event on the Hill in recent years. Many media outlets reported the work of a throw-away newspaper that few will take seriously,” said league number to be 4,000, but as a result of follow-up by various groups, President Phil Horgan. “However, this newspaper is published by Eye corrections were made at both the National Post and Canadian Press. Communications, a division of Torstar's Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing, and we think people who buy that company's mainstream

6

CCRL in the news A selection of recent, published media interviews given by CCRL officials Catholic Register April 17, League’s tribute to Pope John Paul II

National Post, June 2, President Phil Horgan on Bill C-38 BC Catholic, April 18, Phil Horgan and CCRL President Emeritus Tom Langan on media coverage of death and funeral of Pope John Paul. Countdown with Mike Duffy, CTV Newsnet May 27, Executive Director Separate article on case against BC teacher Christopher Kempling. Joanne McGarry on rabble.ca’s anti-Catholic cartoon. Also quoted in Ottawa Citizen, National Post and CBC.ca Catholic Register, April 5, Joanne McGarry on University of Western Ontario’s honorary degree to Henry Morgentaler National Post Letters, May 27, Phil Horgan on same sex “marrige” Calgary Herald, April 9, Western Director Sean Murphy author of article Catholic Register, May 22, League President Phil Horgan on results of “Freedom of Conscience, Tudor ” non-confidence vote in Ottawa The Interim, April, 2005. Joanne McGarry on Western’s honorary degree Catholic Register, May 15, CCRL gala celebrates 20 years to Henry Morgentaler. Phil Horgan on human rights case against Knights of Columbus in Port Coquitlam, BC hall rental case. BC Catholic, May 9, CCRL’s 20th anniversary of defending faith; also Phil Horgan on end of eBay boycott Life Site News, April 1, Phil Horgan on League supporting Bishop Fred Henry of Calgary in Alberta Human Rights Commission complaint. Catholic Register, May 8, Pro-marriage groups urged to prepare for election; Phil Horgan on attempted sale of consecrated host on eBay. Catholic Register, March 27, 2005, Phil Horgan on Bill C-38 and respon- sibilities of Catholic politicians Globe and Mail, May 7, 2005 – Several league members on protest at UWO over honourary degree to Morgentaler Chronicle of Higher Education, March 25, 2005, Joanne McGarry on honorary degree to Henry Morgentaler BC Catholic, April 25, Phil Horgan on accession of Pope Benedict; Separate story on federal strategies for the defeat of Bill C-38 Toronto Star, March 24, 2005, Joanne McGarry on University of Western Ontario granting honorary degree to Henry Morgentaler Catholic Register, April 24, CCRL President Phil Horgan on human rights case against Bishop Fred Henry BC Catholic, March 21, Phil Horgan on PC convention policy resolutions

Toronto Star, April 20, CCRL Executive Director Joanne McGarry Catholic Register, March 20, 2005, Article by Executive Director Joanne comments on election of Pope Benedict XVI. McGarry on League’s 20th anniversary.

New York Times, National Post and other major titles April 20: Letter LifeSite News, March 8/05, Phil Horgan on revision of Conservative draft from Lukasz Petrykowski, Toronto Chapter President, on election of Pope policy resolutions. Benedict XVI. BC Catholic, March 7/05, Director Sean Murphy on Cabinet Minister Joe CBC.ca April 20, Lukasz Petrykowski on election of Pope Benedict. Volpe’s shifting support on marriage issue.

Please visit our website at: http://ccrl.ca New this quarter: Reflection on new pope by Father Thomas Rosica. Our presentation to Committee on Bill C-38.

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Continued from p. 1 CCRL marks 20th anniversary Archbishop Adam Exner Award for Meaning of Heidegger (Columbia University Press, New York, 1959). He is also a frequent contributor to Communio, an international theological Catholic Excellence in Public Life review, where he served on the editorial board.

The Catholic Civil Rights League executive decided to dedicate a new, Noting that it would be impossible to list all the people Dr. Langan has annual award for Catholic Excellence in Public Life in 2004 to honour helped through his teaching, writings and other work, Mr. Horgan said that Archbishop Adam Exner, OMI, upon his retirement as Archbishop of league members have always appreciated Tom Langan’s ability to remain . The archbishop became chaplain to the league later that year. unfailingly positive no matter how serious the challenges. The first recipient of the award is Frederick W. Hill, O.C., chairman and Message from Archbishop Exner director of The Hill Companies. When Canada joined the war against Hitler, Fred Hill was refused for health reasons by the RCAF. Immediately League chaplain Archbishop Adam Exner, OMI, retired Archbishop of after Pearl Harbor, he volunteered for service as heavy bomber captain in Vancouver, sent a message of congratulations to the league on the the US Army Air Corps, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross. A occasion of its anniversary. The message read, in part, “As the Catholic Harvard University MBA graduate, Mr. Hill joined his father in the family Civil Rights League celebrates its 20th anniversary, I offer my heartfelt business in 1947.He has since led the company's growth in real estate congratulations, encouragement and prayers. Even though it has and development, as well as its diversification into other industries. continues to operate on a wing and a prayer, the League has become a significant voice proclaiming the truth, truth which is liberating and life- Mr. Hill's personal commitment is represented by the Hills' philosophy of giving. It is making a difference. For this I am grateful and offer thanks to business: "...as businessmen, if we can't do things that contribute to our the League and to God who animates and sustains it.” world and help people, we have fallen short of our mission." He has been a director of numerous companies and foundations including the **Visit our website (ccrl.ca) for more gala stories and photos** Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Ethics & Public Policy Center (Washington, DC). In 1986, he received the Order of Canada. His contri- bution to the Church was recognized by the Knights of Malta's highest award, the Cross of Merit. Continued from p. 1 CCRL appears before Committee As Mr. Hill was unable to attend the gala, the award was accepted on his on Bill C-38 behalf by League President Phil Horgan.

The evening also featured an affectionate tribute to co-founder Thomas Committee members, including proponents of the Bill, encouraged the Langan, professor emeritus of philosophy at the University of Toronto, and League to suggest amendments to the bill that would address religious and president emeritus of the league. Dr. Langan was part of the original human rights’ concerns. League executives made it clear, however, that the steering committee that also included Keith Cassidy, Father Alphonse De league would not approve the bill even if particular amendments were Valk and others in 1985. He was on the faculty of the University of allowed. Toronto from 1967 to 1994, with St. Michael’s College from 1978 to 1994. In his tribute, Mr. Horgan spoke of Dr. Langan’s numerous contributions to “The proponents of this legislation were certainly exposed to the reality Church and charity as well as to the academic world. Dr. Langan served as that many if not most Canadians have serious problems with the extremity chairman of the Commission on the Family for the Archdiocese of Toronto, of the social engineering that underlies this legislation. It is another as a member of the Board of Regents at Athol Murray College of Notre question if our concerns will be heard”, said Mr. Horgan. Dame, Wilcox, Sask., and as a Consultor for the World Organization for the Family, Vienna. Dr. Langan was chairman of the Spiritual Development The full text of CCRL’s brief can be viewed on our website, or requested Committee of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Toronto, from 1981 to by e-mail at [email protected]. 1983. His work with professional associations includes a term as president of each of the Metaphysical Society of America and American Catholic “From its beginnings, marriage has evolved into a relationship recognized Philosophical Association. He was also on the executive committee of the as a sacrament by some religions, and honoured as life’s most important Catholic Commission on Cultural and Intellectual Affairs. commitment by all religions and almost all non-religious philosophies,” the league stated. “Thus it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to re- Dr. Langan’s books include Surviving the Age of Virtual Reality (University define marriage without creating a conflict with the religious and consci- of Missouri Press, 2000); The Catholic Tradition (University of Missouri entious beliefs held by most Canadians.” Press, 1998); Being and Truth (University of Missouri Press, 1996); Tradition and Authenticity in the Search for Ecumenic Wisdom (1991); As Civil Rights went to press, there were reports that C-38 may be voted Self-Discovery (Golden Phoenix Press, San Francisco, 1985); and The upon by the end of June.

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