Quebec City archbishop asks forgiveness for church's past sins
Nov 21, 2007
The archbishop of Quebec City has issued a wide-ranging mea culpa that seeks forgiveness for the Catholic Church's handling of sex scandals and its treatment of minorities.
(THE CANADIAN PRESS, Nov 20, 2007) QUEBEC – In an open letter published in Quebec newspapers Wednesday, Marc Cardinal Ouellet says "errors were committed" in the past by certain Catholics and other church officials.
Among the errors he cites are attitudes, prior to 1960, which favoured "anti-Semitism, racism, indifference to First Nations and discrimination against women and homosexuals."
Ouellet acknowledges that abuses of power hurt the church's image in the Quebec and hindered its moral authority.
"Mothers of families were snubbed by parish priests without regard for the family obligations that they are already assumed; youngsters were subject to sexual aggression by priests," the letter reads.
"These scandals shook the confidence of the people towards religious authorities, and we understand them. Forgive us for all this pain!"
The letter also says that the church will make a public display of repentance next spring during Lent.
Ouellet is considered among the highest ranking Roman Catholic officials in the country, and has often spoken publicly against same-sex marriage.
Quebec City archbishop asks forgiveness for church's past sins