TORONTO, ON February 5, 2016 – The Catholic Civil Rights League (CCRL) sent the following letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Foreign Affairs Stephane Dion. The CCRL encourages all of our supporters and friends to also write.
February 3, 2016
Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington StreetOttawa, ON K1A 0A2 justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca Hon. Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 stephane.dion@parl.gc.ca
Re: Office of Religious Freedom
Dear Sirs,
On behalf of our national board of directors and our supporters, I write this letter to urge your continued support of the Office of Religious Freedom.
The Catholic Civil Rights League (CCRL) participated in the consultations leading to the formation of this office, and we call on the government to allow its important work to continue pursuant to its mandate.
The CCRL has been pleased to have enjoyed excellent relations with the office since its inception, and particularly with Ambassador Bennett.
We are deeply concerned about suggestions that the office might be closed and that Ambassador Bennett might not be renewed. At this particular period in international affairs, Canada cannot afford an abandonment of our strong commitment to freedom of conscience and religion at home and especially pursuing that objective abroad.
We join with organizations representing Canadians of all faiths in seeking the renewal of the Office of Religious Freedom and its mandate.
Sincerely,
Christian Domenic Elia, PhD Executive Director, Catholic Civil Rights League (CCRL) 2305 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P1 celia@ccrl.ca CC: Amb. Dr. Andrew P.W. Bennett The Catholic RegisterAbout the CCRL
Catholic Civil Rights League (CCRL) (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. The CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization with a large nationwide membership base. The CCRL is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.
For further information:
Christian Domenic Elia, PhD
CCRL Executive Director
416-466-8244
@CCRLtweets