Cardinal tells media Catholics must reaffirm their role in Quebec

Published: 2008-05-30

TORONTO (CNS) -- Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet, who last year sparked controversy with his remarks about religion in Quebec society, said Catholics "need some more militance" to reaffirm "the values of our Catholic tradition in Quebec." He cited Catholic contributions in health care, education and social services and said, "All of this was and is very positive." The cardinal told Catholic media professionals at the 2008 Catholic Media Convention in Toronto May 30 that after 40 years of secularization in Quebec "the moment has come" for a new way of looking at the church's historical role in society. "There is a fear that the influence of the church will return," he said during a question-and-answer session after he addressed the audience about the church's call to evangelize and the media's role in that call.

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