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Release From Bishop Stephen Chmilar Re: Priest's Nomination of Pro-Abort Politician

On Sunday, March 25th, a political nomination meeting to nominate Michael Ignatieff was held at the Church of the Good Shepherd Parish St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church  in Etobicoke.

It was at that meeting that Mr. Ignatieff was nominated and the nomination was seconded by Fr. Terry Lozynsky.  As a direct result of Fr. Terry’s actions, numerous e-mails regarding the propriety of that action came to our office and we have dealt with it in the following manner:

Fr. Terry was called into our office to explain his actions and we pointed out to him that based on Canon Law, at no time is any of our clergy to be part of, or deemed to be associated with, any political party except in the judgement of the Eparchial Bishop, if a particular law so states the need to protect the rights of the church or to promote the common good requires it.

It was also acknowledged that by promoting Mr. Ignatieff, that indirectly he was promoting the political stance on abortion and gay rights legislation that the candidate has.

Fr. Terry acknowledged that his actions were a breach of regulations and an error in judgement.  He is a personal friend of Mr. Ignatieff’s and when asked to second Mr. Ignatieff’s nomination he felt it was an honorary gesture given to him as host of the   meeting.  He did not feel that at any time his actions were for any political or personal gain.

As  a direct result of this breach, Fr. Terry has been reprimanded and a letter to all clergy informing them of the current statutes and regulations regarding involvement in any political process will be sent and reinforced.

I hope that this has not caused problems within your individual parishes and I would suggest that any communications with the press in your area be referred to the eparchial office.

Dated this 4th day of April, 2007                                                                + Stephen Chmilar   

940 The East Mall, Suite #201
Toronto, ON
M9B 6J7

Telephone: 416-746-0154
Fax: 416-746-6003
e-mail: eparchto@bellnet.ca   

 

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