Category Archives: morals

September 25, 2012 · 8:36 pm

when does human life begin? – canadian parliament to vote on studying the question

Last week I wrote a post for the NCR Today blog, on a controversial motion in our Canadian parliament. Motion 312 is a private member’s motion put forward by Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) Stephen Woodworth. It calls for the House of Commons to form a special committee to study the question of when human life begins. Presently, under the Criminal Code of Canada,

“A child becomes a human being within the meaning of this Act when it has completely proceeded, in a living state, from the body of its mother.”

Though a pro-lifer himself, Woodworth insists that the purpose of the motion is not to reopen the abortion debate – something that Prime Minister Stephen Harper has promised not to do. All Woodworth wants is an “open-minded, evidence-based study” on a 400-year-old Criminal Code definition of a human being.

On Sept. 18, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement in support of Motion 312, inviting “all members of the Parliament of Canada to take into full account the sacredness of the unborn child and each human life.” Also, about 60 high-profile groups and individuals have signed The Declaration of Support for Parliamentary Study of Canada’s Legal Definition of “Human Being.”

A Catholic Register article describes the one hour debate last Friday, and the atmosphere in the House of Commons at the time. According to the article, only 30 to 35 MPs attended the debate which took place during the final hour of the House of Commons’ agenda dealing with private member’s business. The government’s chief whip, Conservative MP Gordon O’Connor, told the House in the previous hour of debate that the government would not support this motion. During the actual debate on Motion 312, O’Conner seemed to be taking notes on Conservative MPs who rose to speak in favor of the motion.

Conservative MP David Anderson defended the motion, “We need to recognize that a majority of Canadians believe that human life begins long before a person is born. We can understand that if the evidence establishes that a child does in fact become a human being before the moment of complete birth, then subsection 223(1) has some major problems and it is actually a law that dehumanizes and excludes a whole class of human beings from legal protection.” (Today, Immigration Minister and a prominent Cabinet Minister, Jason Kenney, announced that he will vote in favor of the motion.)

NDP MP Irene Mathyssen’s argument described the view of most who oppose the motion, “The member for Kitchener Centre’s desire to open up this debate has an end goal of changing the legislation to enable the fetus to be declared a human being…We are all very aware that such a change in the definition will place Canada directly on the regressive path to banning abortions.”

The vote is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.

(More thoughts to come….)

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June 20, 2012 · 8:58 pm

a rainbow church

Here is my latest article for the catholic dialogue column in the Prairie Messenger, called a rainbow church. It’s dedicated to all my LGBT friends, and the families and friends who love them for who they are.

Some recent comments on this blog have me thinking even more about the hurt that mean and vile judgment can inflict on another. Personally, I don’t have a very thick skin and get hurt easily by verbal attacks. But these comments come from strangers out in cyber-space. And, quite frankly, from their tone I probably wouldn’t be seeking their friendship anyway.

But what if the rejection is coming from those you respect and love? What is it like for women and men who live daily in fear of prejudice, bigotry and bullying? What is it like to have to deny your true self, to keep it hidden from a society or church that does not accept you the way you are?

To all my friends who have shown me that this is not how it has to be….thank you!

May we evolve from a community that is too often perceived in black-and-white doctrinal terms to a community reflected in the multicoloured hues of a rainbow, melding into one glorious sign to the world of God’s great love for us all.

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April 2, 2012 · 5:00 am

a legal dance around prostitution in canada

On March 26th, the Ontario Court of Appeal struck down a ban on brothels. The judges ruled that prostitutes should be allowed to legally take their trade indoors and pay staff to support them. How the court’s views on prostitution have evolved by Daniel Henry, a Senior Legal Counsel, gives some judicial history to this issue in Canada. But don’t expect clarity. The legal dance around what should be legalized and what should remain within the criminal code requires some tricky mind-work.

Ronald Weitzer, a professor of sociology at George Washington University in Washington, D.C and author of Legalizing Prostitution from Illicit Vice to Lawful Business, stated in a CBC News interview that “Victimization is reduced with other parties present, and often in brothels they have alarm systems, maybe a hidden camera at the entrance and other screening techniques that the receptionist or the manager will engage in prior to the man or client even getting in the door.”

Not everyone believes that legalizing brothels guarantees a classy and safe environment for sex trade workers. Shelly Gilbert, who works with Legal Assistance of Windsor and the Anti-Human Trafficking Action Group, believes “This legislation is trying to speak to some of the protection required by a particular group of sex workers…There needs to be legislation that speaks specifically to what that exploitation and coercion means.” The ruling doesn’t help the women she works with. “It doesn’t help them to get out of the industry, necessarily,” she said. “Many are not making enough money to hire people. Most of the women I’m working with are still struggling in poverty.”

The Catholic Register reported on a March 24 conference on human trafficking, organized by the Loretto Sisters, ‘Myth of prostitution as a choice must be challenged’ – human trafficking conference. Bridget Perrier, a sex-trade survivor, spoke with the moral authority of experience. “We always hear that prostitution is the world’s oldest profession. I always say it’s the world’s oldest oppression…Really, it’s paid rape. It’s child abuse.”

Simply put, “It’s the men who should be punished,” she said. “Their wives should know. They’ve got a right to know…Men need to be held accountable…It needs to start when they’re little. They need to be taught that we honour women, they are our life givers.”

Joy Smith, a Conservative MP from Winnipeg, believes the law must target the market for women, girls and boys. “We cannot allow our children to be bought and sold. It just can’t happen.” Smith is the sponsor of Bill C-310 which would allow Canadian courts to prosecute human trafficking offences committed outside Canada by Canadians or permanent residents of Canada.

In the midst of the intricate legal language and wrangling, the voices of Ms. Perrier and Ms. Smith shine with the simplicity of truth. As with many social justice issues of our time, change will not come from pruning the occasional branch or pinching off a dead bud or two. We need to get to the root of the problem. And, at the root of prostitution are oppression, exploitation and abuse.

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February 23, 2012 · 4:45 pm

choose life

“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days.” Deut. 30: 19-20.

When I was a young university student, our faith sharing community had a long discussion on morality. How do we discern what is right and wrong? We all knew the basic black and white rules and commandments. But what about all those situations in the fuzzy, grey in between? What do we do when the answers aren’t clear? We debated long and hard, with the passion of youthful adults, and came up with the following guide-line… When in doubt, choose the path that is most life-giving. Choose life!

Of all the discussions we had in those early years, this one has remained with both hubby and me. It continues to be at the base of many of our decisions, and a piece of wisdom we’ve tried to pass on to our children. In difficult situations or relationships, we often ask the question; is this situation (or relationship) life-giving or an energy sucker? Life-giving does not mean without challenge, for challenges provide experiences for growth. Also, we can’t just do things that please us, or hang with folks who make us happy all the time. But, if it’s one energy sucking experience after another than we need to re-evaluate our choices. We need to choose life.

I confess to also using this approach when it comes to faith issues and beliefs. Many well-intentioned Catholics will accuse me of being a “cafeteria Catholic”; picking and choosing what I want to believe in. Let’s just say that the over-loaded, groaning buffet table offered by the Church is sometimes too much for me to handle. Trying to take it all in gives me a nasty case of indigestion! I need to focus on that which is pleasant to the palate and leaves me nourished and satisfied. I need to politely refuse that which leaves me angry, frustrated, saddened, and drained of life-giving energy.

There are those who say that if you can’t handle the whole meal deal offered by the Church, then you should dine somewhere else. This is the height of in-hospitality. Would you ask a friend to leave the table just because they don’t like one of the dishes you have offered? Would you leave a table where you are being nourished just because your favorite dessert wasn’t served, or wasn’t served to your perfect standard?

So, what about those issues that we struggle with? A very dear priest friend, whom we’ve known since those early university days, used to tell us to put those issues on the back-burner. Re-visit them as time goes by, but don’t let them drain you of the life-giving energy at the core of our faith. He patiently explained the teachings of the Church to us, but never used vigorous debate to convince us. He encouraged us to question and dialogue without judgment. And, he nudged us to nurture our spiritual lives so that we could listen to the voice of God deep within.

There is so much that is life-giving in our Catholic faith. In this season of Lent, I’m going to try and focus on that which gives me much needed energy, and put aside that which gets my knickers in a twist. I’m going to have a Happy Lent!

(Note: the CHOOSE LIFE logo on the famous Wham T-shirt worn by George Michael above, was promoting an anti-drug and anti-suicide message in the 80′s. It is also used by the pro-life movement. A great logo. A great message.)

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January 26, 2012 · 2:26 pm

The unconscionable consequences of conscience exemptions | National Catholic Reporter

The unconscionable consequences of conscience exemptions | National Catholic Report

This Canadian woman spends too much time musing on American politics, especially when they intersect with the Catholic Church. This week’s news story on the Obama administration’s refusal to allow a religious exemption for health insurance coverage for contraception has me intrigued. I take universal health care for granted. What is available to one, is available to all – regardless of religious affiliation. Each person has the right to accept or refuse a procedure or treatment.

It’s not that Canadian’s don’t struggle balancing religious rights and civil rights. We have learned the hard way that tolerance needs guide-lines. With the passing of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982, a Pandora’s box was opened to outrageous claims hiding behind the right to freedom of religion and expression. The courts have tried to uphold the basic belief that individual freedoms cannot endanger or infringe on the freedoms and rights of others. It’s not always easy or clear cut.

Abortion is still a hotly debated topic in Canada, usually during election times.  Abortion deserves serious attention and ongoing dialogue whether it has been legalized or not.  Access to contraception, on the other hand, is a non-issue in the public forum. And, it is a non-issue for most Catholics. I can’t recall ever hearing a pastor preach on Humane Vitae from the pulpit. That’s why I’m so fascinated with this American news story. Is this really a case of anti-Catholic behaviour on the part of the government? Are Catholics’ rights really being impeded? Are the bishops in tune with the majority of folks sitting in the pews?

Earlier this week, I mentioned a well written editorial by David DeCosse. He explains the model of conscience used by the bishops compared to the traditional model of conscience espoused by moral theologians. The former focuses on obedience and authority; no questions asked. The latter on personal freedom and the responsibility that comes with it. Now, Jamie L. Manson has added another valuable voice to the dialogue. It’s a worthy read!

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January 24, 2012 · 10:56 am

pelvic politics, cont’d

The term “pelvic politics” describes the perception of an unbalanced emphasis on sexual issues by some bishops and conservative Catholics. Church teachings on birth control, abortion, gay marriage, co-habitation, celibacy and a male-only priesthood all become a litmus test for identifying a faithful Catholic. Too often, the test becomes a weapon of righteous judgment and condemnation. Sitting on the wrong side of the orthodoxy fence can deny you a church wedding, election support, or employment in church run institutions. Ecclesial promotions for ordained members are dependent on their public support of these teachings. In extreme cases, excommunications have been meted out to those who have publicly questioned or not supported them; usually by extremely-minded bishops.

Yesterday’s post included this quote from David DeCosse,

the bishops’ emphasis on law as the pre-eminent category of conscience means that they leave little room for practical reasoning to help the conscience figure out what to do in the face of complexity.

For me, of all the issues listed here, the one that is most black and white is that of abortion. It is not a form of contraception. It’s the intentional killing of an unborn child. And yet, there are cases that reflect the “face of complexity”; cases that show the moral dilemma that must be faced in the grey in between. Cases that need a wise mind and compassionate heart to discern what is right and wrong in a specific situation.

What about the woman in Phoenix who was 11 weeks pregnant with her fifth child and suffered heart failure? What about the nine year old girl in Brazil, raped and impregnated by her stepfather? In both cases, an abortion was performed to save the life of the mother. In both cases, excommunications were declared on all those involved (except for the young girl due to her age). Instead of praising the Church’s moral superiority and conviction, these stories showed to the world a Church lacking in compassion and understanding.

It is easy to raise the accusatory banner of hypocrisy at pharisaic church leaders who place heavy burdens on us while sexually abusing or covering up the abuse of others. It is difficult to listen to sermons on the importance of marriage and fidelity when stories appear of bishops having long term relationships and fathering children. Righteous rants on the “intrinsic evil” of homosexuality ring hollow, when the presence of homosexuality in the ranks of the ordained is ignored or denied.

But anger will get us nowhere. We need to stop and take a breath, together, and revisit the gospel call to life. Where should our focus be?

Up here, in the great white north, the words of the late Pierre Elliott Trudeau still resound in the psyche of our modern history. In 1967, as a young Justice Minister, he introduced an Omnibus Bill in the House of Commons that included decriminalizing homosexual acts performed in private, telling reporters “there’s no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.” His intention was good. But, we still need moral guide-lines and laws to support them. In Canada, we have seen the dangers of human rights and freedoms going amuck when pedophiles demand the right to own child pornography. Or white-supremacists hide behind freedom of speech to spread their hatred and pass it on to their children.

The state and the church do have a place in the bedrooms of the nation when those bedrooms hide sexual abuse and rape. We have the moral obligation to denounce and prosecute those who kidnap or buy and sell humans into sexual slavery. We must insist that the possession, itself, of child pornography is wrong; because behind the pictures are real children being exploited.

In this time of global violence and injustice, it’s time for Catholics to stop being the religion of ‘nay’ and begin truly promoting a culture of life that acknowledges the face of complexity of our modern times. Too many issues are being ignored while we continue to count the number of angels dancing on the proverbial pin head.

It’s interesting that while church leaders are still debating the moral use of condoms to prevent the spread of AIDS in Africa, Women Religious around the world are banding together to stop human trafficking.

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January 23, 2012 · 12:05 pm

pelvic politics

A mighty debate is taking place in the USA between the Obama administration and the Roman Catholic hierarchy. The issue revolves around religious freedom and the right of Catholic institutions to exclude coverage of contraceptives in their health care plans. On January 20th it was announced that the religious exemption is not in effect. All nonprofits that presently do not provide contraceptive coverage will have one’s years grace to comply with the new regulation.

As you can imagine, internet discussion boards and editorials are heating up on both sides of the issue. Michael Sean Winters of the National Catholic Reporter wrote an especially scathing piece titled J’ACCUSE! Why Obama is wrong on the HHS conscience regulations, going so far as to withdraw his vote for Obama. The ensuing discussion board makes for an interesting read – though an extremely l-o-n-g one. A rough survey of responses shows more people siding with the right to a woman’s access to contraception than those who stand up for the teachings of Humanae Vitae.

The best responses, I believe, are those that look beyond the polarizing rhetoric of good Catholic-bad Catholic. The core issue is whether we believe in our personal freedom of conscience. I believe in it, but it comes with responsibilities. (see an informed conscience…please!)

Bishops’ conscience model makes light of practical reason by David DeCosse is a well-written and logical appeal to respecting the gift of conscience,

At present, the model of conscience used by most bishops is problematic in two ways. First, it emphasizes obedience, law, and hierarchical authority and thus departs from the Catholic tradition’s close linkage of conscience, practical reason, and freedom. Second, on account of this departure, these bishops needlessly lapse into using a sectarian model of the Catholic conscience ill-suited to the Church’s mission in a democratic pluralist society like the United States.

An emphasis on obedience and law can provide an easy, black and white paradigm of morality. The Church says this…therefore if I do this and don’t do that, then I am good. But,

the bishops’ emphasis on law as the pre-eminent category of conscience means that they leave little room for practical reasoning to help the conscience figure out what to do in the face of complexity.

Almost all women and men know the “face of complexity” when it comes to conception. Discerning when to have children, and how many is not an easy issue. It has huge practical consequences that cannot be written off with a naive and pietistic pronouncement to be ‘always open to life’.

Our parents came from the generation that saw the dawning of effective birth control, but were preached to by priests of their intrinsic evil. The choice given to them was simple. Be open to raising large families, or suffer the guilt of mortal sin and eternal punishment. Raising children in a larger family is a gift. But it is not a gift to all. How many families faced physical, emotional, and economic hardships out of obedience to the law.

I also heard stories of compassionate priests who would counsel couples to “follow their own conscience” in the matter. And, God bless them!

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October 8, 2011 · 4:29 pm

The Moral Compass Project

The Moral Compass Project

Back in June, I wrote a blog post titled recalibrating our moral compass.

It’s time to recalibrate the moral compass for our society. Promoting moral values is not the same as imposing religious values. Society never has the right to impose religious belief. But it does have the right and the duty to uphold a certain standard of moral behaviour for its leaders and its citizens.

This week, I received a wonderful comment on the post from Adrian Bishop, the Principal of the Centre for Defined Ethics. The Centre is promoting THE MORAL COMPASS PROJECT. Goals of the project include  formulating a ‘defined Moral Compass as an ethical benchmark.’ It’s a fascinating venture and very needed in a world with little common ground between moral relativism and religious fundamentalism. Here is The Moral Compass. I encourage you to check out the web-site, and share your thoughts!

The Moral Compass

    • Never instigate the use of coercive force.
    • Accept responsibility for personal actions and the consequences of those actions. 
    • Practice a duty of care.
    • Affirm the individual’s right to self-determination. 
    • Put the truth first.
    • Never use a person as merely an unconsenting means to an end, even if the end benefits others. 
    • Be honest.
    • Honour agreements.
    • Treat others as you want to be treated yourself.
    • Leave a positive legacy to future generations.

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August 12, 2011 · 11:16 am

pondering the UK riots

This post begins, yet again, with an apology for the silence in the past days. But, I have a good excuse. This week, we welcomed the first grand-child into our clan. She is healthy, beautiful, and blessed with loving and caring parents. Our son`s face absolutely bursts with joy and pride every time he says her name! We know that she will not only be loved and cared for – she will be raised to love and care for others. We know this, because we know her Mommy and Daddy!

Meanwhile, we`ve been following the riots in the U.K. with horror and sadness. Prime Minister David Cameron has not minced his words in response to the escalating criminal activity. He has vowed to prosecute all who are guilty of the violence, destruction and theft. He told the nation that if you are old enough to commit these crimes, you are old enough to be prosecuted. There are “pockets of our society that are not just broken, but frankly sick.” When you see 12 and 13 year olds looting and laughing, you know that there is something “badly wrong with our society.” There is ”a complete lack of responsibility, a lack of proper parenting, a lack of proper upbringing, a lack of proper ethics, a lack of proper morals.”

Who is to blame…parents, society, politicians? There is no denying that the growing gap between rich and poor has left a large, disenfranchised underclass. Poor, uneducated and unemployed, they have lost all hope of reaping the benefits of our consumer society.  Mark Easton, BBC Home Editor wrote a thought-provoking editorial that describes the fine line between recognizing societal issues and using them to excuse criminal behavior.

Can the root causes of the violence be pinned on bad politics as opposed to simply bad kids, bad parents and bad morals – “criminality – pure and simple”? 

When the Home Affairs Select Committee completes its inquiry it will find itself treading that narrow line between condemning and contextualizing the unrest, but it would be hard to imagine any such investigation not wanting to consider what policies will be most effective in ensuring England’s social landscape does not have parts left tinder-dry and combustible. 

The bewildering events of the past few days are a reminder of why, however difficult, no country can afford to ignore any strata of its society. 

These are hard questions, and there are no easy answers. Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, stated that all of us have a responsibility. This I believe.  What we do, for good or ill, affects those around us and affects society. The UK riots show how strong the ripple effect can be when bad choices are made. One manic moment of torching and looting can ruin lives and livelihoods. But, I have to also believe that the good we do has an equally strong effect. I have to believe that ordinary goodness can balance out extraordinary evil.

As we continue to bask in the glow of our new grand-daughter, I’m filled with gratitude for the love that surrounds her. She won the baby lottery, but so many don’t. When I was in the midst of parenting wee ones, I often complained that I was “only a Mother.” As I watch our son and daughter-in-law embrace their little girl, I now know that being a loving parent and raising compassionate, caring children can be one of the greatest gifts you can give to the world.

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June 14, 2011 · 4:21 pm

recalibrating our moral compass

image via Microsoft

It’s time to recalibrate the moral compass for our society. Promoting moral values is not the same as imposing religious values. Society never has the right to impose religious belief. But it does have the right and the duty to uphold a certain standard of moral behaviour for its leaders and its citizens.

Too often, religion has stood in the way of a moral dialogue within society. It is true that moral teachings are foundational to many religious traditions, but you don`t have to be a religious person to be a moral person. My belief in God and the rituals and traditions surrounding that belief may differ from yours. This does not mean that we cannot share a common respect for the dignity and rights of each person. Having different religious traditions, or no religious tradition, does not excuse us from uniting as a moral society.

I can hear the objections already. Can we claim a universal morality or truth in this postmodern time? Haven`t we worked hard to deconstruct past absolutes? Isn`t it better to embrace a universal tolerance that upholds the relativity of truth for each person, place and time?

In 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  It outlines and acknowledges the basic rights of each human person on this shared globe of ours. It would take a truly hardened skeptic not to recognize the truth reflected in this list.

The Ten Commandments are the basic moral tenants in the Judeo-Christian tradition. They outline the rules needed for a harmonious society, regardless of our religious beliefs. If we live according to these guide-lines, and the golden rule of treating others as we want to be treated, then we will ensure that the basic rights of others will be met…We must not covet or take that which is not ours. We must uphold, support and honour families and relationships. We must be faithful to our commitments.  We must respect life and the dignity of all, ensuring that the goods of the earth are shared equitably. We must be truthful and honest in our dealings. We must not spread callous lies or slander another person.

When these rules are broken, the doors are opened to distrust, antagonism, hatred and retaliation. Relationships are severed, unity and security are destroyed and peace is lost – whether on a personal or societal level.

One of the greatest fallacies of our day is the belief that our private lives and actions have no effect on others. Take a moment to ponder any of the personal scandals making the head-lines today. We don`t have to look hard to see how the effects of one person`s bad behaviour quickly ripple outwards in ever-increasing circles.

It is time for us as a society to recalibrate our moral compass. We have to raise the standard of decency, while acknowledging that we are all a work in progress. None of us is perfect. But we must no longer tolerate immoral behaviour in the name of personal freedom.

 

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