Archdiocese of Winnipeg
Q?fce (y the Archbishop

 

1495 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg. Manitoba RST 2C6 - Tel: 204-452-2227 - Fax: 204-475-4409 - Web: 

 

April 10, 2018

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace was established by the Bishops
of Canada in 1967. It was established as part of the missionary outreach of the Roman Catholic Church in
Canada to fosterjustice and integral human development in Third World Countries. For many years the
Archdiocese of Winnipeg has supported the work of Development and Peace both spiritually and
?nancially. The fall educational initiative and the Share Lent Collection are two familiar ways by which
our support has been evident.

The mandate of Development and Peace is fulfilled through cooperation with local partner
organizations in developing countries where concrete projects are initiated among the poor. Globally 
currently has over one hundred such partners. The Bishops of Canada have been made aware of a
recent appraisal of such partners and have become concerned that a sizable number of them have
practices and positions which conflict with Catholic moral and social teachings, such as respect for the
sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.

As a result of this current review of Development and Peace partnerships, the Archdiocese of
Winnipeg, along with the other dioceses of Western Canada, is temporarily withholding the 2018 Share
Lent donations. These funds are being withheld until such a time as we receive assurance from
Development and Peace that its partner agencies comply with Catholic moral and social teaching and
with the criteria of Carr'tas Internationalis (of which Development and Peace is a member).

It should be noted that normally our collection is not sent into Development and Peace until
August. This space of time should give ample opportunity for Development and Peace to make the
required reforms. it is very important that the concerns surrounding the recent review of 
partners are attended to 

I must express my gratitude to the many volunteers and participants who are part of
Development and Peace in the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. There has always been a very generous and
whole hearted response to the work of Development and Peace in Manitoba and I can assure you that
the monies so far collected, will be completely reserved for projects in the developing world. The
temporary withholding of funds underscores the seriousness of the Bishops? concerns and the need for
open transparency and accountability. If this is successfully achieved, Development and Peace - Caritas
Canada will be strengthened and blessed in their important work.

I wish to bring you greetings and prayers during this holy Season of Easter!

Yours in Christ,

'i'El?gJ 1? 
+Richard Gagnon
Archbishop of Winnipeg