Wednesday April 4, 2007
Release From Bishop Stephen Chmilar Re: Priest's Nomination of Pro-Abort Politician
Press Release
From Bishop Stephen Chmilar
Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada
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:
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