CCCB Standing Committee on Development and Peace / CCODP Standing Liaison Committee – Summary of June 2016 meeting
Friday, June 10 2016
The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) Standing Liaison Committee and the Standing Committee for Development and Peace of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) held their latest joint meeting on June 2, 2016, at the Development and Peace offices in Montreal. The CCCB Standing Committee advises the Conference on Development and Peace plans and activities, as well as facilitates communication and collaboration between the CCCB and CCODP.
Deacon Jean-Denis Lampron, President of CCODP National Council, chaired the meeting.
The Committees reviewed and discussed a number of documents, including the CIDSE document on gender equality, a text on the “Relationship between CCODP and the CCCB”, and the continuing work on a “Key Principles” document. The text on the relationship of Development and Peace with the CCCB outlines the various ways in which the two organizations collaborate, and is intended especially to assist personnel in both organizations. The project on “key principles” involves continuing work on what had originated as a joint initiative by CCODP and the CCCB, in collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services. The document aims to outline a clear organisational statement by CCODP of Catholic principles on the dignity of human life. It will also help to assist in responding to questions that may be raised in the media as well as by Catholics in general.
The joint meeting also received an updated report on plans for the coming 50th anniversary celebrations of CCODP, discussed CCODP’s annual contribution to the CCCB Social Justice Fund and the possible scope of work of Caritas Canada. Many of these items will continue to be discussed throughout the coming year with updates, reports on actions taken, and proposals for moving forward.
The Committees also discussed the second meeting hosted by the CCCB for a proposed Catholic coalition on renewing and rebuilding relations with the Indigenous People. The meeting on the proposed coalition was held in Ottawa on 6 June 2016 at which a representative of Development and Peace participated.
In an effort to extend the collaboration between the CCCB and the CCODP Most Rev. Terrence Prendergast, S.J., Archbishop of Ottawa, will attend the CCODP National Council meeting on June 17.
The next joint meeting of the two Committees is scheduled for 21 October 2016, in Ottawa.