CLC meets with Ottawa clergy

Interim staff

Campaign Life Coalition hosted its second Ottawa-area clergy luncheon in mid-November. For a number of practical reasons separate Protestant and Roman Catholic luncheons were organized, both of which were considered successful.

Among the denominations represented at the Protestant luncheon were Baptists, Pentecostals, Free Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Messianic Jews, and the Associated Gospel Church. Though the crowd was small, some of those present drove almost an hour to take part.

The guest speaker at the Protestant luncheon was MP Eric Lowther (Reform, Calgary Centre). Mr. Lowther, who is the official opposition critic for children and families, outlined threats to Canadian families which he sees in current government policies.

CLC federal lobbyist and Interim columnist Tim Bloedow also spoke, outlining the basic features of the pro-life movement in Canada, and CLC's specific role as the political arm of the movement. Mr. Bloedow then presented a summary of key battles and recent developments, including the formation of the Parliamentary Pro-Life Caucus and government injunctions banning free speech outside abortuaries.

In the short question time at the end of the meeting, the ministers discussed how to advise their people on voting pro-life. The most vocal members of the group expressed a distinct preference for the Reform Party.

The guest speaker at the Roman Catholic luncheon was MP Dan McTeague (Liberal, Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge). Addressing priests of the Archdiocese of Ottawa, Mr. McTeague spoke of how being a legislator and being a Christian are inseparable. He also spoke of challenges he faces as a Christian in public life.

The B.C. Catholic quoted him as saying that politicians who say they are "personally pro-life," but unwilling to "impose their beliefs" on the people they represent are sending "a crystal-clear message of the abandonment of leadership."

Among those who attended the Roman Catholic luncheon were Fr. Jim Whalen, national president of Priests for Life Canada, and Jim Hughes, CLC national president.