Posted on 07/03/2008 4:55:08 AM PDT by Clive
B.C. priest gives back his Order over Morgentaler
'A Terrible Mistake'; Revoke abortion doctor's award, churches say
A Catholic priest in British Columbia is returning his Order of Canada after Dr. Henry Morgentaler was named a member, calling the controversial abortion doctor's induction into the Order "a terrible mistake."
Father Lucien Larre, who was inducted into the nation's highest order in 1983 for his work with troubled youth, said in a news release yesterday that he felt "compelled in conscience to return my Order of Canada."
The priest, based in Coquitlam, B. C., said he did not want to show disrespect to the Governor-General or to condemn Dr. Morgentaler, but added, "I believe in my heart that he is horribly wrong and the advisory committee made a terrible mistake."
Reaction yesterday to the announcement that Dr. Morgentaler would be elevated to the Order of Canada was mixed, but Father Larre's response was typical of many who were shocked by the choice.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops yesterday decried the naming of Dr. Morgentaler, issuing a terse news release calling it an "inadmissible affront" to Canadians that undermines the significance of the award.
"Far from improving our country, Mr. Morgentaler's actions continue to create controversy and division in our nation," the conference of bishops said.
"In the name of freedom of choice, he has encouraged the development of a culture of death and has thus attacked the most vulnerable, the unborn."
The CCCB joined the Lutheran Church-Canada in denouncing the appointment of Dr. Morgentaler.
Rev. Ralph Mayan, president of LCC, called on the Order of Canada to reconsider its decision.
"Revoking an Order of Canada award is not without precedent," he said.
"[But] Dr. Morgentaler has not yet received the award, and so we believe the committee responsible should reconsider its decision."
Reverend Raymond Roussin, the archbishop of Vancouver, said he was "appalled" by the decision.
Newfoundland Conservative MP Norm Doyle also suggested the Governor-General rescind Dr. Morgentaler's Order because there is not a community consensus that the award is deserved and appropriate.
"Dr. Morgentaler, his contribution has been his fight to legalize abortion, which has really divided the country, so I don't think it's appropriate at all that he be given his Order," said Mr. Doyle, the longtime MP for St. John's East.
"The award is not about causing division, so it's not appropriate that this individual, given the fact that he has created such division in the country, should be given the award."
Mr. Doyle had not polled his constituents on the issue, but believes he speaks on their behalf, he said.
But others applauded the 10-member advisory council for their "brave" decision.
Lois Wilson, a former Senator and first female moderator of United Church of Canada, who was named to the Order of Canada and then promoted as a Companion of the Order, welcomes Dr. Morgentaler's appointment.
"My experience with the Order of Canada is long-standing. They really investigate the person nominated very thoroughly and do the pros and cons. I know several people who were turned down.
"So, I have a great deal of faith in the objectivity of that panel, it's very widely based," she said in an interview yesterday.
"I know and recognize that there are many who think [abortion] is murder and are totally opposed to it, but that should not negate the option of choice for those who take a different view."
Ms. Wilson, 81, recalled how dangerous it once was for women seeking an abortion.
"When I was young -- way back, way back, way back -- I knew women for whom there was no abortion allowed; it was a criminal offence.
"These women took their lives in their hands," she said.
"I think he's done a great service to the women of Canada who are now able to choose. He's given them the option for a safe abortion.
"I really applaud the decision. I think it's very brave of the Order of Canada to do it because they must have known it would bring a huge amount of controversy."
Joyce Hancock, spokeswoman for the Newfoundland and Labrador Feminist Coalition, said she believes Dr. Morgentaler made a very courageous stand in his life to champion women's reproductive rights, and she is pleased with the Governor-General's choice.
"He's an elderly man now, and the Order of Canada is given to people who made significant contributions in their life, and I think it is justly deserved and it's great to see that he will be receiving the award."
Abortion is becoming a non-issue for many Canadians who have grown up with legalized abortion, the morning-after pill and other reproductive options for women, Ms. Hancock said.
krook@nationalpost.com
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(In Canada each province runs their own health care plan, though all of them are socialized medicine plans.)
Good for Father Larre and his dedication to his baptismal vows: “Do you reject Satan and all of his empty works and pomps?” “I do renounce him.”
“I think he’s done a great service to the women of Canada who are now able to choose.”
Yep they can choose, “to murder or not to murder” and thats the third choice. The first is whether to have sex and the second is whether to use birth control.
Amazing how the profane has become the glorified.
***Ms. Wilson, 81, recalled how dangerous it once was for women seeking an abortion.***
Sure, so hand them condoms, morning after pills, and tell them it’s just fine to have unmarried sex, and then tell them it’s okay to MURDER the result of that sex. Makes sense. Yeah, sure, Ms. Wilson. /s
> A Catholic priest in British Columbia is returning his Order of Canada after Dr. Henry Morgentaler was named a member, calling the controversial abortion doctor’s induction into the Order “a terrible mistake.”
It wasn’t a “terrible mistake”, Father. It was a “terrible idea”. And an abomination. But it was, alas! deliberate. Not a mistake. And thus it was a Sin.
Good on ya, Father Lucien: a true Priest and a true Servant of God. You are a good Example, one that I can look up to, and so can all Canadians. You are a member of the real “Order of Canada” — the only one that really matters: you have the Respect of our Nation.
God Bless Father Lucien
*DieHard*
Good for Fr. Lucien!
My God, someone with intestinal fortitude. Thank you Father.
Let's hope some others exhibit the same conscience.
My local MP’s office sent me the following contact info...
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean
Governor General of Canada
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A1
(no postage necessary)
Also from the GG’s site...
We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. You may send them by e-mail at: info@gg.ca. Please take note that because of the volume of requests we receive, we are not always able to respond immediately. Responses to specific inquiries can be expected within two to three weeks.
You may also reach us:
by phone at (613) 993-8200 or toll-free in Canada and the United States at 1 800 465-6890
by fax at (613) 998-8760
“Good for Father Larre and his dedication to his baptismal vows: “Do you reject Satan and all of his empty works and pomps?” “I do renounce him.””
AMEN!!!!
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