Archbishop Emeritus Mancini's Letters/Videos to the Faithful

Last week the government of Canada introduced Bill C-14 which sets out proposed legislation to make available “assisted dying” to those who wish to use medical means to end their lives. It must be made clear that this is contrary to our Catholic understanding and teachings regarding life and death.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has released a statement and many individual bishops, including Archbishop Mancini, have issued their own statements. In part Archbishop Mancini’s reads:

February 26, 2016

To the Catholic Faithful of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth

Dear Friends,

On February 25th, 2016, the joint committee of the Government of Canada released its report entitled: Medical Assistance in Dying: A Patient-Centered Approach. It is with great sadness and disappointment that I write this pastoral note to express the inadequacy and unacceptability of these recommendations to the Canadian Government as it prepares itself to pass legislation on the matter of assisted suicide.

On Thursday, February 25, the special joint parliamentary committee on physician- assisted dying released their report, “Medical Assistance in Dying: A Patient- Centred Approach”. The 21 recommendations published in the report have stirred much debate in this already divided subject. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) added their unified voice to this current conversation and released an official statement on Friday, February 26. Our own Archbishop Anthony Mancini has expressed his sadness and disappointment regarding the report in a pastoral note to the faithful of Halifax-Yarmouth. Read his full message on the Archdiocesan website under Letters to Faithful. Click here.

Remind all to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient,
to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling,
to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone….
Christ Jesus saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done,
but according to his mercy… (Titus 3:1-2 & 5)

February 18, 2015, Ash Wednesday

To the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
Dear Friends,

As a new pastoral year got underway this past fall, questions and concerns were raised by some about the wisdom of inviting a political figure to speak at the annual Archbishop’s fundraising event. The speaker delivered a personal witness to the centrality of the Catholic faith in this politician’s upbringing and the formative influence it had on his life and work. The message was clear, well received and reflected the man’s convictions, even if some people were not in full accord with his political views.