Comment by the President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Attack on a Doctor who Performs Abortions

Tuesday, July 11 2000

If the police are correct in their assumption that a doctor in Vancouver was stabbed in his office yesterday because he performs abortions, this attack is to be condemned as completely contrary to the most basic pro-life principle that the dignity and integrity of human life, both born and unborn, is to be respected and protected.

To be pro-life is to be consistently against abortion, euthanasia and the death penalty and to be for social, economic and educational responses that will eliminate these false solutions to complex human problems and dilemmas. There is no room for violence in the quest for a society that is truly welcoming and supportive of life. Violence is a counter sign and discredits the life giving work of millions of people across the country.

Human life is a most precious gift of God’s love and goodness. The unborn child and those who perform or assist at abortions are all made in the image and likeness of God. Violence defaces the image of God and betrays the cause of life.

Most Reverend Gerald Wiesner, O.M.I.
Bishop of Prince George
President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops