Bishops of Canada Conclude Day Two of Virtual Plenary

Tuesday, September 22 2020

Ottawa – Today marked the second day of the virtual Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). Bishops from across the country gathered to discuss the most essential ecclesial and administrative matters for the Conference.

The discussions for the day focused on two priority matters, namely family and life as well as responsible ministry. Recognizing a growing pastoral need to accompany and work with diocesan/eparchial life and family networks in response to the changing realities of Canadian society, the Bishops had a constructive discussion about possible initiatives, resources and opportunities for collaboration in this important area of Church life. This is a major pastoral priority of the Bishops and which includes the institution of holy matrimony, youth and elderly, a culture of life, and a civilization of love.

Following the unanimous adoption by the Bishops of Canada in 2018 of  the CCCB guidelines Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse: A Call to the Catholic Faithful for Healing, Reconciliation, and Transformation, the Bishops of Canada had agreed to establish a permanent Standing Committee for Responsible Ministry and the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults to provide information, insights and recommendations to the CCCB regarding clergy sexual abuse, healing, and prevention. In 2020, the Standing Committee began its mandate to discern matters in support of the guidelines as well as to assist  the work of diocesan/eparchial advisory committees in fulfilling their responsibility to maintain safe pastoral environments and to promote healing for victims-survivors. During their 2020 Plenary Assembly, the Bishops discussed the work of the Standing Committee and its sub-committees. The Bishops continue to be very much engaged on this issue at various levels of the Church and are evermore committed to the protection of minors and vulnerable adults and the prevention of abuse.

The Plenary Assembly continues through to Friday, 25 September 2020.

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