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A Statement From Archbishop Daniel J Bohan on Development and Peace

March 25, 2009

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Over the past few days the integrity of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and peace has been called into question by accusations published by the website “LifeSite News.”

The LifeSite article appeared under the headline: “Hundreds of Thousands in Canadian Lent Collection Money Funding Pro-Abortion Groups in Mexico” and went on to state that “… money, donated through the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP), is being given to at least five different pro-abortion groups, which the CCODP calls "partners".”

In response, the Executive Director of Development and Peace, Michael Casey has replied, in part, as follows: “We are reassured and unequivocally confirm that there is no involvement with abortion in any of our partners’ programs or activities, nor has there ever been over the course of our long-term partnership."

It is clear in my mind that the statements made by LifeSite news regarding our Church’s Organization for Development and Peace are false. And therefore, as chief Shepherd of our diocesan Church, I find them a malicious attack on this important and sacred work that the Catholic people in Canada do for the poor in the world through Development and Peace.

Archbishop James Weisgerber, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops as part of his public statement on this matter has written: “The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace is the official development agency of the Church in Canada, and respects the sacredness of human life from conception to its natural end. By contributing to Development and Peace this year on 29 March, our gifts can bear fruit for the life of the world. To serve Christ, we are invited to follow his example – to give of ourselves, that others may live.”

On this Fifth Sunday of Lent, the collection for Development and Peace is made throughout the Archdiocese of Regina. I strongly encourage the faithful of our diocesan Church to give generously to this collection and to support the excellent work that Development and Peace does in the world to mitigate poverty and thus save countless lives of children and vulnerable people.

With my great appreciation for all our good people who work diligently and with loyalty to the Church in the pro-life movement and for all who with great generosity faithfully support their Church and its works, I pray for God’s blessing on all of us and I remain,

Yours sincerely in Christ,

+ Daniel J Bohan
Archbishop of Regina

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