Resources Archive | Page 6 of 19 | Canadian Religious Conference

18 June

Religious congregations statements following the discoveries of unmarked graves

Here are some statements and information from Canadian religious congregations following the macabre discovery in Kamloops. We invite religious congregations to share their statements with us so we can list them on this webpage.

17 June

Chair of Research and Teaching on the Consecrated Life at Laval University

The changing face of the study of theology in educational establishments in Quebec and, more broadly, in French-speaking Canada, compels the FTRS – the only establishment in Quebec offering a theological education at all three levels and whose programs are recognized by the Congregation for Catholic Education – to assume a certain responsibility here. This situation entails obligations and the Faculty would be delighted to count the study of the consecrated life among its programs of excellence. Considering this and in response to the concerns and questions raised by many concerned parties, we propose the creation of a Chair of Research and Teaching on the Consecrated Life.

4 June

Macabre Discovery in Kamloops: Sadness and Desolation

The Canadian Religious Conference (CRC) wishes to express its profound sadness and compassion following the announcement on May 27th of the terrible discovery of the remains of 215 children in a mass grave at the site of the former Kamloops residential school. […] The CRC incites its members to make all the necessary efforts to bring the truth to light. This is part of our organization’s priorities and we recommit to taking up the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in collaboration with our partners, including members of Indigenous communities.

2 June

CICLSAL Circular Letter on the Use of Telematic Means

In light of the prolongation of the Covid 19 pandemic and the subsequent deadlines for the convocation of collegial bodies (can. 631 §1-2) or similar bodies (can. 632) a request has been submitted to the Dicastery to be able to use computerized and telematic means as an alternative to personal presence in the above-mentioned bodies. The Dicastery has deemed it appropriate to authorize – on an exceptional basis, for a specific period and for individual cases – the use of telematic means for the remote connection of members of collegiate or similar bodies.

1 June

Resources of the 2021 General Assembly

The CRC’s General Assembly is an opportunity for the leaders of Catholic religious congregations of women and men religious in Canada to meet and share their experience, to reflect on important issues and to celebrate together. The chosen theme of the 33rd edition was: “A Present Hope: Reading the Signs of the Times.” Sister Laurence Loubières, XMCJ, and Father Gilles Mongeau SJ, have been the facilitators of this General Assembly proposed in a virtual way given the health restrictions in place. This process took place from January to May 2021.

10 May

Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle: Statement on Including UNDRIP in Canadian Law

Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle appreciates the government’s action in introducing a bill to include the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Canadian law. […] Although there is reservation in endorsing all aspects of Bill C-15 in its current form, [..] we hope that, after consultation, review, and any appropriate amendments, it will be ready to be passed in a timely manner.

5 May

A Post-Pandemic Church – Prophetic Possibilities

For most of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted our sense of vulnerability. It kept many people, including the most fragile, in isolation – both social and spiritual. In the face of so many challenges to our usual way of life, this has been an opportunity to reflect on our faith and on the Church. Sister Nuala Kenny […] in this honest, soul-searching and inspiring book, explores a range of underlying systemic and cultural issues in need of conversion.

21 April

The Canadian Religious Conference supports Bill C-15

The Canadian Religious Conference (CRC) supports federal Bill C-15, “An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” and also invites religious congregations and institutes of consecrated life in Canada to express their support for this bill, as other Christian Churches and organizations have done by signing Faith in the Declaration.

19 April

Message from the Holy See to Mark the Celebration of Ramadan 2021

To mark the month of Ramadan and its conclusion (Id al-Fitr), the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue published a message entitled Christians and Muslims: Witnesses of Hope. The message is intended to be shared with Muslims and those working in interfaith dialogues.

15 April

Listening to Indigenous Voices – A Dialogue Guide on Justice and Right Relationships

Canada does not have an “Indigenous” problem. It has a colonization problem, says Associate Professor & Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Environmental Justice Deborah McGregor, an Anishinaabe from Whitefish River First Nation, Birch Island, Ontario. Those of us who have benefited from colonization have a responsibility to address the system that has enriched us by stealing the land and lives of Indigenous Peoples. Created as 11 separate chapter-workshops, this book incorporates many Indigenous voices so that readers-participants can act based on what Indigenous are telling us to address injustices.