In partnership with ecumenical and interfaith organizations, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) helped organize a news conference held at 1:00 p.m. on January 25, 2018, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Toronto. Speaking at the news conference were His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins on behalf of the CCCB and the Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto; Mr. Bruce Clemenger, President, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada; Rabbi Chaim Strauchler, Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, Toronto; Imam Refaat Moham, Canadian Council of Imams; together with a number of those who had received funding assistance in the past through the Canada Summer Jobs program. A copy of Cardinal Collins’ speaking notes is available by clicking PDF.
During the news conference, the four spokespersons released an ecumenical and interfaith statement signed by over 80 leaders of faith communities, organizations and institutions, asking the prime minister and the Government of Canada to amend the present Canada Summer Jobs guidelines and application process so these do not compel agreement, and so enable religious organizations to remain true to their identity and beliefs. View the statement by clicking PDF.
Courtesy of Kyle Ferguson
Advisor for Ecclesial and Interfaith Relations
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops