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Thursday, September 04, 2008
Bloc Quebecois MP Raymond Gravel pushed out of politics by Vatican
The CBC has a really, really bizarre story. The Vatican insisted that Bloc Quebecois M.P. Raymond Gravel, who is a Roman Catholic priest, pick politics or his priestly duties. Why the ultimatum? Apparently, Catholic constituents of Gravel complained that Gravel had supported Henry Morgentaler getting the Order of Canada. So the church stepped in.
Gravel has decided to pick the church over Parliament.
"Gravel, an ordained Roman Catholic priest, was granted special permission by the Vatican to run for federal office in 2006.
He indicated on Tuesday that the Vatican requested he choose between politics and the priesthood in light of Canada's impending federal election...
Montreal newspaper La Presse reported that the Vatican received complaints from some Catholics who were not happy with positions Gravel took as an MP.
The complaints stemmed from his support for Dr. Henry Morgentaler's nomination to the Order of Canada, and his opposition to Bill C-484, a piece of legislation on crimes committed against pregnant women.
Gravel said he was disappointed with the complaints that he believes twisted his beliefs.
"I've never gone against the church doctrine," he told CBC's French-language service. "I do not support abortion, I am opposed to abortion."
Posted by P.M. Jaworski on September 4, 2008 in Canadian Politics | Permalink
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Comments
I fail to see the surprise. Even as a non Catholic I was aware of this policy and it is not new nor limited to this priest. In fact I admit their policy only makes sense.
Posted by: Alain | 2008-09-04 12:09:26 PM
Alain:
If only Tommy Douglas had understood the concept of separation of church and state.
Or at least, render onto Ceasar what is Ceasar's ...
Posted by: set you free | 2008-09-04 1:05:01 PM
J2P2 stomped on the Liberation Theologins. Why should we be surprized at this?
Posted by: DML | 2008-09-05 12:09:16 AM
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