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Cardinal Marc Ouellet fires back at critics with funding demand
Written by Deborah Gyapong, Canadian Catholic News
Tuesday, 25 May 2010 11:32
Cardinal Marc Ouellet
OTTAWA (CCN) — Cardinal Marc Ouellet has vowed not to be silenced on the “crime” of abortion and has answered his critics by demanding federal government funding to assist pregnant women.
In an interview on May 23 and at a press conference May 27, Ouellet expressed surprise at harsh political and media reaction to his recent comments in which he stated that abortion is a moral crime even in cases of rape. He was vilified in the media and one popular La Presse columnist called him an ayatollah and extremist and wished the cardinal would die from a slow, painful illness.
“I will not leave things the way they are,” said Ouellet. “There is a legitimate debate about promoting human life, about respect for the unborn.”
At a joint news conference in Quebec City with Ottawa Archbishop Terrance Prendergast, Ouellet called for the federal government to provide funding for pro-life organizations that counsel women against abortion.
“Governments are funding clinics for abortion,” Oullet said. “I would like equity for organizations that are defending life. If we had equity in funding I think we would make lots of progress in Canada.
“I am calling for a campaign of awareness and for programs to help women in distress. There is a lack of information, accompaniment and financial aid for pregnant women in crisis situations to make an enlightened choice.”
Ouelett’s earlier comments on abortion drew condemnation from federal and provincial politicians, culminating in a unanimous resolution May 19 in the Quebec National Assembly that affirmed a woman’s right to free abortion, and also demanded the federal government end its ambiguity on the issue and stop de-funding to women’s organizations.
catholicregister.org/canada/cardinal-marc-oullet-fires-back-at-critics-with-funding-demand
Written by Deborah Gyapong, Canadian Catholic News
Tuesday, 25 May 2010 11:32
Cardinal Marc Ouellet
OTTAWA (CCN) — Cardinal Marc Ouellet has vowed not to be silenced on the “crime” of abortion and has answered his critics by demanding federal government funding to assist pregnant women.
In an interview on May 23 and at a press conference May 27, Ouellet expressed surprise at harsh political and media reaction to his recent comments in which he stated that abortion is a moral crime even in cases of rape. He was vilified in the media and one popular La Presse columnist called him an ayatollah and extremist and wished the cardinal would die from a slow, painful illness.
“I will not leave things the way they are,” said Ouellet. “There is a legitimate debate about promoting human life, about respect for the unborn.”
At a joint news conference in Quebec City with Ottawa Archbishop Terrance Prendergast, Ouellet called for the federal government to provide funding for pro-life organizations that counsel women against abortion.
“Governments are funding clinics for abortion,” Oullet said. “I would like equity for organizations that are defending life. If we had equity in funding I think we would make lots of progress in Canada.
“I am calling for a campaign of awareness and for programs to help women in distress. There is a lack of information, accompaniment and financial aid for pregnant women in crisis situations to make an enlightened choice.”
Ouelett’s earlier comments on abortion drew condemnation from federal and provincial politicians, culminating in a unanimous resolution May 19 in the Quebec National Assembly that affirmed a woman’s right to free abortion, and also demanded the federal government end its ambiguity on the issue and stop de-funding to women’s organizations.
catholicregister.org/canada/cardinal-marc-oullet-fires-back-at-critics-with-funding-demand
