Quebec cardinal apologizes for sins of past church leaders

Published: 2007-11-26

QUEBEC CITY (CNS) -- Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet has apologized and asked forgiveness for the sins of past provincial Catholic Church leaders regarding clergy sexual abuse, discrimination against women and homosexuals, anti-Semitism and racism. In an open letter to the people of Quebec province issued Nov. 21, the cardinal, who is primate of the Catholic Church in Canada, acknowledged that before 1960 certain Catholics favored "anti-Semitism, racism, indifference toward the First Nations and discrimination regarding women and homosexuals. The behavior of Catholics and some episcopal authorities relative to the right to vote, access to work and the advancement of women was not always equal to the needs of society nor even in conformity with the social doctrine of the church," he said. "I also acknowledge that abuse of power and counterwitness have tarnished the image of the clergy among many and undermined their moral authority," he said. "Youth have suffered sexual abuse by priests and religious, resulting in serious damage and traumas that have shattered their lives. These scandals have shaken the confidence of the people against religious authorities, and we understand."

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