Toronto, ON January 12, 2021 – The Catholic Civil Rights League (CCRL) is disappointed to learn of a cheap anti-Catholic comment made recently by Liberal Party MP Adam Vaughan (Spadina – Fort York).
On January 11, 2021, Mr. Vaughan posted the following comment on Twitter:
It’s like the Catholic Church…not all priests are sex offenders, and the Catholic Church officially is appalled… but do they kick them out or hide them, cover up or expel… drum up excuses or hold themselves accountable?
Mr. Vaughan subsequently deleted the tweet and claimed that he was criticizing political opponents, not the Church. He then mentioned his family’s connections with Catholic education and Catholic ancestors as some balance for his cheap shot.
The Church is rightly appalled of the behaviour of a small number of its wayward priests on sexual offence issues. The Church continues to be held accountable.
The League’s history has been to stand with the victims.
It is perhaps not unlike instances when political parties are appalled at the actions of some of their MPs on moral issues, or ethical lapses.
Nevertheless, the implications of the tweet, that the Church is engaged in an ongoing cover-up of sex offenders, and that the Church evades the terrible abuse of these scandals, remain troubling cheap shots, and are unacceptable.
The CCRL hopes future political discourse will remain free from casual anti-Catholic slander.
We appeal to any of you not financially impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, who may wish to accomplish more almsgiving by sending a donation to the CCRL by clicking here or by mailing a cheque to the CCRL at 2305 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P1, or by calling the office at (416) 466-8244 or 1-844-722-CCRL.
About 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.
To donate to the CCRL, please click here.
For further information:
Christian Domenic Elia, PhD
CCRL Executive Director
416-466-8244
@CCRLtweets