Toronto, ON December 23, 2024 – It is helpful to remember that Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was born into a human family that was subject to authoritarian rule. After the census and His miraculous birth and manifestation to the world, the Holy Family was obliged to escape to Egypt before they could return to their homeland.
Let us pray that the peace of Christ will overcome the darkness, and bring peace to our troubled world.
Prolife Issues
While euthanasia for mental health reasons was delayed this past year until 2027, we should remember that more than 57,000 Canadians have accessed assisted death since its legal introduction through to the end of 2023. Roughly 4.5 to 5 per cent of all deaths in Canada are now administered by medical personnel.
Quebec began accepting advanced requests for assisted suicide on October 30, and according to the federal Minister of Health, the federal government has pledged not to stand in their way with criminal prosecutions.
In shocking and underreported news this past month, the federal Finance Committee has proposed in its pre-budget consultations to eliminate charitable status for pro-life pregnancy centres. It has also proposed that religion be no longer be approved as worthy of charitable status, affecting upwards of 40,000 such religious based charities, or 30 per cent of all charities in Canada.
Attacks Against and Suppression of Catholicism
We have seen the removal of daily Mass at two Ottawa hospitals as of September 2024.
The Canadian Military Spiritual Reflection Policy instigated a further directive prohibiting military chaplains from invoking God at public military events.
Canada Post stamps are issued on September 30 to commemorate the residential school system, with the images of a priest and nun outside the Kamloops school building.
Who can forget the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony on July 26?
Church Attacks
Between 2010 and 2022, there have been a staggering 592 police-reported arsons at places of worship, including churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques, resulting in damages of at least $10,000 per occurrence, according to the response to an official inquiry released on September 16.
According to the report, the wave crested in 2021, jumping from 58 arsons in 2020 to 90 in 2021, following the announcement of the Kamloops allegations, dipping back down slightly to 74 in 2022.
The CCRL’s Church Attacks Database has tracked these crimes, receiving publicity in other countries.
Continued Advocacy for Freedom of Expression
We have heroes in our midst:
Fr. Anthony Van Hee with his challenge to the Safe Access to Abortion Services Act.
Linda Gibbons arrested and eventually released this past month for holding a sign outside a Toronto abortion clinic.
Jesus Christ was born into an oppressive society. He nevertheless sowed hope and peace to a world in need of salvation. It is our prayerful wish that we find solace in the promises of Our Lord.
Please enjoy a healthy and peaceful Christmas.
We appeal to any of you who are able to send a donation to the CCRL by clicking here or by mailing a cheque to the CCRL at PO Box 84505, RPO Bloor West, Toronto, ON, M6S 4Z7, or by calling the office at (416) 466-8244.
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:
ccrl@ccrl.ca
416-466-8244
@CCRLtweets
