Durocher in line to become CCCB president

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

17 October 2007

Posted By Terri Saunders

Bishop Paul-Andre Durocher is now officially in line to become the president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Durocher, who currently serves as the bishop for the Alexandria-Cornwall Roman Catholic Diocese, was elected as one of two co-treasurers of the conference and one of a four-member executive which oversees the work being conducted by Catholic bishops across the country.

Traditionally, the top spot is filled as other executive members move up the ladder from co-treasurer to vice-president and then to president.

"I am going to be spending a lot of time in the next little while learning," said Durocher after being elected to the executive late Tuesday afternoon. "There is a lot of work to be done when it comes to responding to the needs of our bishops in Canada so I am looking forward to what I know will be an important learning experience."

It may be several years before Durocher has the title of president before his name.

In the meantime, he will work closely with the man who was elected to that position Tuesday.

Winnipeg Archbishop James [Weisgerber] will begin a two-year term as president at the end of this week's plenary.

He said Tuesday there is much work to be done as Canadian bishops move forward in changing times.

"There will be restructuring as we make our organization more flexible," said [Weisgerber].

"I want to see all of the bishops involved in this process and see them help one another as we face the challenges before us."

[Weisgerber] said Canadians tend to sometimes sideline the voice of the faithful and this is something he would like to see change.

"We have a voice and it should be heard," he said. "Many years ago, 25 years ago, the voice of the bishops seemed to be heard by more people and in a more meaningful way. We need to make certain the people of today hear our voices."

On Tuesday, the bishops heard the voice of a member of the Muslim faith, as Imam Dr. Zijad Delic, executive director of the Canadian Islamic Congress in Ottawa, spoke to the assembled group. It was the first time in the meeting's history a member of Canada's Muslim community has been invited to address the bishops.

Delic said while there may be a tendency among some faithful to be inclusive, the time has come for religions to embrace each other's theology, at least to some extent.

"The more rooted I am in my faith, in Islam, the more hospitable I must be to my Catholic brothers," said Delic. "I have no hidden agenda. I come here with open hands and with an open heart."

Delic said within faith there is no room to shut out society or mankind just because of the difference of religion.

"In faith, there is no nationality and there is no racism," he said. "In faith, there is righteousness."

The conference will continue throughout the week.

Each year, bishops from across Canada meet in Cornwall to plan initiatives, study policies and embark on projects. During the plenary, bishops will also discuss preparations for the International Eucharistic Congress which will take place in Quebec City in June 2008.