Decrees, Statements, Letters, Briefs
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) releases numerous official documents every year. Some are under the form of decrees, while others are public statements, pastoral letters, or briefs. Only a few documents published before 1996 are available online.
Statement by the CCCB on the Announcement by the Government of Canada to Close its Office of Religious Freedom
Thursday, March 24 2016
It is with deep regret that the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has learned of the intention by the Government of Canada to close its Office of Religious Freedom. The Canadian Ambassador for Religious Freedom and the Office of Religious Freedom were an important signal to the international community and…
CCCB President Writes to Archbishop Jozef De Kesel of Mechelen-Brussel
Thursday, March 24 2016
The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, O.M.I., Bishop of Hamilton and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), has sent a letter conveying condolences and prayers to the Most Reverend Jozef De Kesel, Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussel, following the tragic attacks that occurred in Brussel, March 22, 2016. Link to…
Message for Easter 2016 by CCCB President
Monday, March 21 2016
As Syrian refugees begin to settle into their new reality of life in Canada, stories of their journeys to this new land all have similar themes. Feeling under siege and faced with an uncertain future in the midst of war, many people were compelled to flee their land, their homes,…
Honouring the Memory of the Late Father Benoît Lacroix, O.P.
Friday, March 04 2016
Father Benoît Lacroix, O.P., passed away on March 2, 2016, after a short bout with pneumonia. He had turned 100 last September, and in 2012 celebrated the 75th anniversary of his profession as a member of the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans). He was admired in Quebec and elsewhere for his openness,…
Make this Year’s Share Lent a Commitment to Hope and Mercy
Tuesday, March 01 2016
Creating a Climate of Change is this year’s theme for the Share Lent Campaign by the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development Peace. A number of Pope Francis’ intentions are at the heart of the campaign: most notably, his Encyclical on care for our common home, Laudato Si’ (Praise be to you), and the Jubilee Year…
Pastoral Statement for the Catholics of Canada on the Report “Medical Assistance in Dying: A Patient-Centred Approach”
Friday, February 26 2016
Dear brothers and sisters, The Special Joint Committee of the Government of Canada on “Physician-Assisted Dying” this past February 25 released its report, Medical Assistance in Dying: A Patient-Centred Approach. The report, in part, recommends: – That assisted suicide be available to those with psychiatric conditions (Recommendation 3) – That psychological suffering…