Social Justice Communique #1 May 18, 2025
Dear Sisters in the League and Father Mike,
Our Annual Victoria Diocesan Convention is resting for another year. I do hope everyone had an inspiring and fun experience. I’m proud to say that the super talented actors belong to my parish.
Surprise, we are diving immediately and urgently into the critical work of the Catholic Women’s League.
The theme of the Catholic Church’s 59th World Communications Day, is to be celebrated on June 1. Pope Francis chose the theme for 2025 that calls on people to "share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts", communication that creates the condition for dialogue.
As ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ we also need to be aware of the world around us and importantly, we need to act when necessary. Glenda Carson, National Chairperson of Social Justice, has created a Petition regarding the Charitable Status of Pro-Life Groups and Religious Congregations. Currently the petition is designed for members of the Catholic Women’s League and when signed by all members across Canada, will send a significant message to our Federal Government that the proposed recommendations are not acceptable.
In December 2024, the Standing Committee on Finance’s Pre-Budget Consultations for 2025 submitted Recommendation 429, which would mean that pro-life organizations would lose charitable status and Recommendation 430, would remove the privileged status of “advancement of religion” as a charitable purpose. This would deny two of every five charities their tax status.
To quote Glenda, “It will be difficult, if not impossible for the government to replace this loss of social services, poverty alleviation and community-building. The loss of charitable status would threaten the existence of many faith organizations and may violate the Canadian charter of Rights and Freedoms.”
Also available from your Social Justice Chair or your Parish Council President, is a template for a direct letter to your Member of Parliament (MP). In the event of a postal strike, you would need to hand deliver your letter to your local MP.
Please be sure to sign the Petition and ensure it is received by your Representative.
Wishing you a relaxing summer and may all our communications be “shared with gentleness, the hope that is in your heart."
Many blessings,
Francine Tournier
Victoria Diocesan Social Justice Chairperson