Glenda Carson, National Chairperson of Social Justice, August 30th, 2023
FOR: Chairpersons of Social Justice at All Levels
League Position Papers:
- 2023 Abortion
- 2023 Euthanasia and Medical Assistance in Dying
- 2023 Health Research
- 2023 Matrimony and Same-sex Unions
- 2023 Reproductive and Genetic Technologies
- 2023 The Use of Stem Cells for Research Purposes
- 2023 Truth and Reconciliation
- 2023 Waste Management
- 2023 Water
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
The revision and development of League position papers was completed over the past term (2021-2023). This project was in response to the need to update the position statements on the national website. The new and revised League position papers are posted on the national website.
The National Manual of Policy and Procedure describes a position paper as “a formal statement defining the League’s position or stance on a topic or issue. It gives readers a summary of the dimensions of the topic or issue from the League’s perspective. A position paper is used both for the information of members and for the public”. Stating a position reflects a belief statement, ensuring that the principles that underpin an organization’s purpose, mission and objects are represented. “Position papers can also reflect League positions presented through correspondence by the national president and may be used as a response by the League to a position or plan of action put forward by another organization, such as the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Position papers may also be warranted in response to current or pending national or international legislation”.
The project was divided into two phases because of the amount of work involved. Phase one involved most of the provincial chairpersons of legislation and resolutions reviewing the existing League position papers for relevancy and the need for revision. The national standing committee chairpersons, under the leadership of former National Chairperson of Resolutions Rolande Chernichan, also reflected on the need for position papers as they reviewed the resolutions that came under their committee for archiving. Their recommendations for ten topics for position paper revisions or development and six position papers for archiving were adopted by the national executive prior to the national annual meeting of members.
During the winter and spring months of 2023, the national standing committee chairpersons of community life, Christian family life, education and health and international relations, and honorary life member and life member volunteers drafted the recommended position papers. Nine completed position papers were adopted by the national executive prior to the national annual meeting of members
The following revised or new position papers were adopted:
- Abortion (new)
- Euthanasia and Medical Assistance in Dying (revised)
- Health Research (new)
- Matrimony and Same-Sex Unions (revised)
- Reproductive and Genetic Technologies (revised)
- The Use of Stem Cells for Research Purposes (revised)
- Truth and Reconciliation (new)
- Waste Management (revised)
- Water (revised)
The following position papers have been archived:
- 1986. Euthanasia and Living Wills
- 1992. Euthanasia
- 1994. Euthanasia
- 1988. Childcare
- 2004.Youth Violence and Youth Criminal Justice Act
- 2006. Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
Sincere appreciation goes to the provincial and national standing committee chairpersons as well as the honorary life member and life member volunteers who stepped forward to take on this significant task. Also, a very special acknowledgement goes to the original authors of the position papers that have been revised and archived. Their work has supported the League over the years and was foundational to developing the current League position papers.
Please ensure all members are aware of these important resource documents posted on the National website under “ACT”.
Glenda Carson
National Chairperson of Social Justice