CANADA
Toronto Sun
DANI-ELLE DUBE, POSTMEDIA NETWORK
OTTAWA — The Truth and Reconciliation report is considered the beginning of the healing process for aboriginal survivors of Canada’s residential schools.
But for some, like Ottawa’s Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, the report and its recommendations spark debate.
Postmedia Network sat down with the city’s ninth bishop to discuss his perspective on the issues surrounding the report. The responses have been edited for space.
Q: One of the recommendations in the report asks for Pope Francis to issue an apology to aboriginal Canadians on behalf of the Catholic church, despite Pope Benedict having issued one back in 2009. Do you agree with this recommendation?
A: I didn’t know there was going to be this other request from the Pope and what struck me as rather demanding in the apology is that they wanted it delivered within a year in Canada and that they wanted it to address certain things, like the spiritual abuse they suffered.
Q: Why did this particular recommendation stand out to you?
A: Because I look for things that touch the church. I know the report does say that the church for them is important, but they also asked for royal proclamation from the Queen, but don’t make the recommendation that she come to Canada and make a statement like they’re asking of the Pope.
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