Statement by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in response to an article published on 9 April 2010 by the Globe and Mail:

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CCCB Website Print E-mail
09 April 2010
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) cannot offer any comments on a communication that took place between one of the Bishops of Canada and the Apostolic Nuncio 17 years ago, as this is beyond the competence of the Conference.

The Bishops of Canada for many years have been working tirelessly to implement and update diocesan protocols to prevent cases of sexual abuse and to respond to concerns about sexual abuse in each of the respective dioceses in this country. For many years, the position of the Catholic Bishops of Canada has been clear on these heinous crimes. In the fall of 1992, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops published its document From Pain to Hope, recommending that Bishops respond fairly and openly to allegations of sexual abuse, offer assistance to victims, and respect the jurisdiction of civil authorities.

As practices continue to evolve in Canadian society in order to respond better to sexual abuse, so also the Bishops continue to work on and improve their diocesan protocols, remaining even more determined than ever to provide children with a safe environment.


No interviews will be granted.

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Note from Sylvia

Just a few posts down from the above entry the bishops have listed the following “Helpful Links”

Helpful links:- The Church is not trying to cover anything up – Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales News release by the Catholic Communications Network (England & Wales)

A Response to the New York Times – Article by Father Raymond de Souza, priest of the Archdiocese of Kingston, Ontario, and columnist for National Post

Pope deserves better credit – Column by David Warren, Ottawa Citizen

Remarks by Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York 

Keeping the record straight on Benedict and the crisis – Blog post by John L. Allen Jr., National Catholic Register

– Setting the record straight in the case of abusive Milwaukee priest Father Lawrence Murphy – Article by Father Thomas Brundage, JCL, then presiding judge for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Catholic Anchor

There are no links to articles referencing the Bernard Prince cover-up.

 At the end of the short list of favourable links, a link to “Read More” which opens to the following:

Letter of support to the Holy Father from CCCB President Bishop Pierre Morissette

Print E-mail
29 March 2010
His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI
Apostolic Palace
00120 Vatican City
Holy Father,
 
On behalf of the Bishops of Canada, I am writing today to assure you of our unequivocal support as we witness in the Canadian media and elsewhere an unprecedented number of reports which claim that you have not responded properly to the problems of sexual abuse of minors. We recognize with admiration and gratitude that your personal leadership in the face of these heinous crimes has been strong and decisive.
 
We have direct experience of that here in Canada, where our implementation since 1992 of the provisions of From Pain to Hope has received your strong encouragement and support, both before and after you assumed the Papal office. We are especially appreciative of your recent leadership when you met with National Chief Phil Fontaine, Archbishop V. James Weisgerber, and others, to manifest your deep sorrow and empathy to the victims of various forms of abuse among Canada’s First Nations in our former Residential Schools. Your comforting and understanding words are still treasured by all who attended this historic event at the Vatican.
 
Holy Father, as we begin this most solemn week, in which we follow Jesus through the Cross and Resurrection, we assure you of our prayers for you and for those who have suffered from sexual abuse within the Catholic Church and in virtually every aspect of society around the world. We are confident that under your leadership we will move forward from pain to healing.

May Our Lord, who manifested by his rising from the dead the power of divine love over evil, give you strength during these days. Be assured that we stand with you in your resolve to lead the Church on “a path of healing, renewal and reparation”.

Sincerely yours in Christ Our Lord,

+Pierre Morissette
Bishop of Saint-Jérôme
President
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

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