‘CATHOLIC’ FORMER PRIME MINISTER CAN’T RECALL ONE INSTANCE OF STANDING WITH CHURCH AGAINST PUBLIC OPINION

WATERLOO, ON, September 25, 2002 (LSN.ca) – Pro-abortion Progressive Conservative Party Leader Joe Clark addressed St. Jerome’s Catholic University giving the Wintermeyer Lecture in Christianity and Public Policy last Friday.  The attendees at the event were greeted at the door by pro-life students from the University handing out pamphlets indicating the scandal caused by the selection of the pro-abortion politician as the keynote speaker.  The demonstration had its effect on the attendees and organizers as Clark was introduced before his address as “The Grand Marshal of the Calgary Gay Pride parade” to which the audience laughed and clapped.  However, pro-life St. Jerome student Lawrence Lam was able to end the immoral frivolity with a well-worded question to Clark at the event.  During question period Lam put this statement and question to Clark: “First of all I just wanted to say that I appreciate the discussion on Faith and Public Life in Canada. I think it’s an important discussion. I also wanted to mention that in the midst of all the cynicism found in national politics young people, especially those of us called to public service, have a great need for people in positions such as yours which carry with it a strong potential for upholding goodness.”  At this the audience broke out into applause.  Lam continued: “Having said that, I would like to ask you to name some instances during your public career when you boldly stood up to the prevailing tide of public opinion and sided with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.”  Clark responded: “I can’t,” and went on to reiterate his main point that private religious convictions are separate from public civic duty, a point with which the Church that he claims allegiance to totally disagrees.  See related LifeSite coverage:  ST. JEROME’S CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY INVITES JOE CLARK TO GIVE KEYNOTE https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2002/aug/02081901.html