Catholic bishops in Quebec oppose premier’s suggestion to ban public prayer

By The Canadian Press on December 10, 2024.

A group representing Quebec's Catholic bishops has come out against Premier François Legault's desire to end prayer in parks and other public places. Legault responds to the Opposition during question period, Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the legislature in Quebec City. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

MONTREAL – Quebec’s Catholic bishops have come out against Premier François Legault’s desire to end prayer in parks and other public places.

Martin Laliberté, president of the assembly of Catholic bishops of Quebec, says a ban on public prayer would target minority religious groups that are perceived by some as threatening to Quebec’s identity, and it runs counter to the goal of peaceful coexistence.

Legault raised the possibility of ending public prayer during a press conference Friday, which he began by saying he wanted to send a “very clear message to Islamists.”

Images of Muslims praying in Montreal streets have sparked controversy in recent months, but members of other faiths also hold public events in Quebec, including the Way of the Cross procession led by the Catholic archbishop of Montreal on Good Friday.

In an open letter published Tuesday, Laliberté said a ban would be unenforceable and pointed to other activities with a spiritual element, such as yoga classes in a park.

He also noted religious groups organize public gatherings for food drives and other charitable purposes, where a prayer might be recited.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024.