We are religious, sisters long committed to social justice, climate justice and peace. We write this letter to thank the Youth for their courageous leadership. #WeHearYou about the climate emergency!
Read moreThis book traces the journey taken by the Canadian Province of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions / Religieuses de Notre Dame des Missions (RNDM), from its establishment in Manitoba in 1898 to 2008, when the congregation as a whole redefined its mission and vision. Using archival research conducted in Canada, England, and Italy and incorporating oral interviews with RNDM sisters, this book explores the historical work of the sisters in schools and the part they played in the developing educational state.
Read moreThe following chronology documents a number of resources related to the prevention of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. These were produced at different times, by the Holy See and in North America especially.
Read moreThere is a surprising number of feature-length films and documentaries on the theme of sexual abuse (and other forms of abuse) in the Church. The following productions are suggested because they are opportunities to raise awareness on the experiences of victims and to reflect on this painful Church reality. In this way, these films prove that media can play a necessary and relevant role in understanding and moving forward.
Read moreThe major crisis currently being experienced by the Catholic Church because of the various abuses committed by clergymen, men religious and women religious, is devastating for its credibility. The bearers of a message of truth cannot dissociate their behaviour from the testimony that their speech is intended to convey. First, attention and help must undoubtedly be directed towards the victims, whether they are minors or adults. Any reparation or redress, long before being addressed in a pecuniary sense, must start with the reception and listening provided in response to people’s experience and the common search for a way towards a possible healing.
Read moreLike a library of literary genres, the Bible also contains surprising texts, particularly in the Old Testament, in which violence sets the stage. How should we view these stories? Why were they included in the biblical canon (determined in 1546 at the Council of Trent, for the Roman Catholic Church)?
Read moreRemarks from the Most Rev. Marc Pelchat, Auxiliary Bishop of Quebec on the abuses committed within the Catholic Church. “Our Church has been plunged into a genuine crisis since we became aware of the scale of the sexual abuse of minors committed by priests, bishops and deacons, or other persons who had been given an ecclesial mission.”
Read morehe Centre for Services in Restorative Justice (CSJR), founded in 2001 in Montreal, is working to create spaces for expression, listening and sharing among people affected by criminal acts. […] Since the restorative justice approach is based on the liberating voice of the crime victim speaking out, that same approach applied to the context of sexual abuse in the Church must also begin with that kind of testimony.
Read moreAudio interview with Nuala Kenny, Sister of Charity of Halifax, is a pediatrician and professor emeritus. A member of the Canadian bishops’ committee that produced the world’s first guidelines on child sexual abuse, she does not hesitate to define the crisis as pathological. With theologian David Deane, Sr. Nuala Kenny analyzes the systemic ecclesial causes of abuse, and calls to healing by a reform of governance and spiritual renewal.
Read moreThe Canadian Religious Conference is proud to launch its new publication, ad vitam, a webzine and a window into consecrated life in Canada. Featuring articles and audio-visual media, ad vitam proposes theological and pastoral reflections on the Catholic Church and consecrated life. In this first issue, ad vitam dares to address the theme of sexual abuse in the Church.
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