[Case Update]
From: ULC Seminary [amy@ulcseminary.org]
To: Lady Rev [ulc.north@hush.ai]
Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 3:02 PM
Re: ONTARIO APPROVAL
Hello!
Progress is being made. We have found a shorter way to get things done and if all goes well, we'll be accepted in about 3 months.
I'll keep you posted!
--Amy
----------------
[Case History]
Dated: January 7, 2004
From: "andre" [andre@ulchq.com]
To: re: "ULC CHARTER FOR ONTARIO"
We have not yet completed our filings in the country of Canada. We have been working towards this for along time. Every step we make towards completion of this process we are hindered by another stumbling block put in by the Canadian Government. So we do not have a Charter yet for the province of Ontario.
At the present time our ministers in Canada can do all services of the Ministry except Marriage. We have not forgotten our Ministers in Canada.
I do not understand your statement that you have been experiencing problems communicating with us. We are here Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. I personally am here most weekends as well. This is my first communication from you. We can be reached by phone, fax, email, or postal mail. In fact we have been trying to reach you!
According to our records and information in your email this is what we have on file for you.
The reason we have been trying to contact you is. We received a book from Reba Ruth Abbott who was incarcerated in Gatesville Texas that was asking us to foward to you a very large book titled "A Jailhouse Lawyers Manual" to your address in Sept. 2002. We had tried to contact you to make certain you could receive this book from us and that your address was correct before we spent the costly amount for postage. We are still holding this book and awaiting a response.
We will be keeping our members informed and we will be holding meetings in Canada at the appropriate time.
Thank you,
Andre Hensley, Office Manager
Universal Life Church Headquarters
601 Third Street, Modesto, CA 95351.
Record of offences - It is not permissible to ask if the applicant has ever been arrested, charged, convicted of any offences, or ever spent time in jail unless this is clearly relevant to the position, such as a security guard. Even then, an employer can ask only if the applicant "has ever been convicted of a criminal offence for which a pardon has not been granted."
'Constant juggling act': Ghanaian imports, retired clerics filling gaps at Christmas
Francine Dubai, National Post
Tuesday, December 24, 2002
The shortage of priests in Canada has become so acute that some churches are cutting the number of Christmas masses being celebrated this year and retired priests are being pressed into service.
Father Beno�t St-Onge has been responsible for three churches in the Montreal suburbs of Rosem�re, Lorraine and Bois de Filion since August, when a fellow priest left the fold.
Since then, Father St-Onge has met his obligations with the help of a 74-year-old retired Jesuit, but he has had to reduce the number of Christmas masses at the three churches this year from 11 to nine.
"For sure that we can't do with two priests 11 masses, that would not be human," says Fr. St-Onge, who will lead five masses today and tonight.
The shortage of priests has also meant a reduction in services offered to Catholics. Daily masses are no longer offered at any of the three churches, though each one holds at least one weekday mass.
There are fewer than 10,000 priests in Canada today, down from 15,000 in 1970. The number of seminarians has dropped from 2,645 to 550. The situation is so dire that priests are postponing retirement and the death of a priest can sound the death knell of a parish.
In the Northern Ontario town of Cobalt, there will be a Christmas Eve mass, but Christmas Day mass has been cancelled.
In September, Father John Lemire, 33, of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in New Liskeard, about 20 kilometres from Cobalt, became one of a growing number of priests who have had to take on two or more parishes.
He has also had to cut the number of weekday masses at the Cobalt church from five to one.
"There's only so many places I can be in at one time," he says.
"It is a constant juggling act trying to maintain a balance between the two places."
About a dozen people used to attend the Christmas Day Mass in Cobalt, in addition to the Mass on Christmas Eve. Fr. Lemire says if the Cobalt church still had a priest, there would be a Christmas Day Mass.
Catholic residents of Mackenzie, B.C., have been without a priest for about six years, according to Father Rodolfo Manaloto, of Christ Our Saviour Parish in Prince George. Fr. Manaloto is one of two priests from Prince George who make the 90-minute drive to Mackenzie once a month to celebrate Mass there.
Twice a month, the Sunday service in Mackenzie is led by a layperson. Worshippers take communion, but wafers that were consecrated by a priest at a previous service are used.
This Christmas, Mass in Mackenzie will be led by a semi-retired priest. There will be one service only, instead of the two that are typically held in a parish -- one on Christmas Eve and one on Christmas Day.
"We're just glad we have the one," says Sister Germaine Rosenberger, an Ursuline nun from Saskatchewan who acts as pastoral life director for the parish.
There will be no priest in the parish to celebrate Mass on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.
In central Newfoundland, the Catholic Church will be able to meet its obligations, but barely. Bishop Martin Currie will leave his cathedral in Grand Falls this afternoon to drive 140 kilometres to a neighbouring parish to conduct a Mass, then drive back to Grand Falls in time to prepare for Mass there at 11 p.m.
The central Newfoundland diocese has 18 priests serving 30 far-flung parishes -- on a weekend, some of the priests travel as much as 500 kilometres.
Four of the priests have been brought in from Ghana, but importing priests is not a permanent solution, says Bishop Currie. The Ghanaian priests will have to return to their country one day -- their bishop has permitted them only a two-year sojourn in Canada.
Meanwhile, Bishop Currie's diocese has graduated only one seminarian in 13 years -- last May.
"I have no one studying for the priesthood right now. What the solution to the problem is, I don't know," Bishop Currie says.
On the west coast of the island, a priest from the cathedral in Corner Brook will travel to Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Benoit's Cove to celebrate Christmas Mass with Catholics who have been without a resident priest for three years.
"Last Christmas they had a priest who was studying up in Ottawa and he just happened to be down here visiting some friends for Christmas and he filled in down there, so they were lucky," says Father Bernard Buckle, of Sacred Heart Parish in Corner Brook.
Father Pat Lafleur of Nativity of Our Lord in Timmins, Ont., says that with the death this month of Father Les Costello, Catholics who had booked marriage ceremonies at St. Alphonsus Church for next summer have had to reschedule with other priests, and in some cases have had to pick new wedding dates.
A priest has come out of retirement to work part-time at the parish until January, but no one has yet been found to take over duties full-time.
"We don't know what we're going to do. We don't know if we're going to take that parish and split it among the other priests, or if we're going to say, 'I'm sorry we just can't manage this parish anymore.' That's the kind of thing we're facing," Fr. Lafleur says.
fdube@nationalpost.com
Copyright 2002 National Post
Jan. 7, 2003.
Standards urged for justices of the peace
Top judge calls for formal appointments Attorney-general agrees to discussion
TRACEY TYLER, LEGAL AFFAIRS REPORTER
Qualifications could soon matter more than connections when it comes to being appointed a justice of the peace.
The judge in charge of one of Ontario's busiest courts says it's time to consider a formal process for appointing justices of the peace and spelling out qualifications.
There are currently 311 justices of the peace in Ontario, who make decisions on everything from whether police should be allowed into your home to conduct a search or if an accused person should be granted bail.
However, the vast majority � about 95 per cent � come to the job with no formal legal training. They are sometimes perceived as political hacks enjoying the perks of patronage.
The current crop includes several former MPPs and mayors, ex-school trustees and a former car salesman. JPs are appointed by the attorney general.
At a news conference yesterday to mark the annual opening of the province's courts, Chief Justice Brian Lennox of the Ontario Court of Justice said his proposal for introducing standards into the process of appointing justices of the peace is not intended as a criticism of JPs now presiding in Ontario.
They do "a good job" of tackling an important and wide-ranging issues affecting everything from people's liberty to privacy interests, Lennox said.
It's simply the next logical step in the "evolution" of the justice of the peace bench, which is naturally becoming better qualified as more candidates compete for the job, he suggested to reporters at Osgoode Hall in Toronto.
Lennox drew a comparison to provincial court judges, who, until 1968, were mainly laypersons with no formal legal training.
"In this process of evolution of the justice of the peace bench, it has now become evident that the issues of qualifications and process of appointment need to be addressed," he said.
Attorney-General David Young has agreed to discuss the issue, he added. Yesterday, Lennox declined to say what the appropriate qualifications for a justice of the peace might be or whether the appointment process should include a screening committee similar to the one for judges.
He also stopped short of saying whether he believes JPs should hold a law degree.
But the Criminal Lawyers Association, which has been pushing for a more open appointment process, including some minimum standards for JPs, doesn't see that as an unreasonable request.
"In terms of qualifications, what's wrong with requiring that someone who is making decisions on legal principles and applying the law have a legal education?" said Toronto criminal lawyer Bob Richardson, who heads the association's subcommittee on JPs.
Last summer, two justices of the peace were publicly criticized for imposing publication bans that were later overturned by Superior Court judges.
JPs salaries are listed as between $57,000 and $78,000 a year. For reasons that are not clear, some have earned more than $100,000.
Toronto Star
Ground(s): Creed
Particulars
I am a person who adheres to the tenets and precepts of the Universal Life Church, and I believe that my right to equal treatment with respect to services, goods and facilities without discrimination because of my creed has been infringed by the Marriage Office, Office of the Registrar General, Thunder Bay, Ontario. I believe that this is contrary to sections 1 and 9 of the Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c.H.19, as amended.
I believe that the respondent discriminated against me because of my creed in violation of the Code.
~ULC North
Interfaith
Non-Denominational
x ULC CHARTER x
[Note: The above CHARTER site has been hacked! (a lame attempt at the obstruction of our rights as wedding officiants in Ontario!) ~
a new site has been replaced below -
[Results of Mediation: Could Not Be Resolved - November, 2006]
***UPDATE - August 22, 2007:
Ombudsman Ontario was advised by Ontario Human Rights Commission that violations of international convention or federal legislation must be dealt with by the organization that has jurisdiction to deal with the specific convention or law.
(cont'd)- Officiants: pages 10 & 11
"Officiants:
Justin Trottier feels that HAC should pursue Humanist officiants being on the same level as religious officiants and is looking for ways to move that forward. He says that the OMC (Ontario Multifaith Council) gets their officiants into jails, hospitals, etc.
Ken [last name?] says that we do not have the resources to train HAC officiants or chaplains.
Doug Thomas suggest that we get a HAC lobbyist to lobby for HAC officiants in other jurisdictions and venues.
Terri Hope suggests that there should be training programs for officiants or chaplains in order to have appropriate representation in the field. Chaplains council the bereaved, the sick and the dying, whereas officiants perform marriages and funerals, thus training is needed.
Gerry Maloney says that there should be definitions and guidelines in place for humanist officiants and chaplains in order to recruit people interested in becoming one. Further, Gerry suggests that if someone applies and is not 'qualified', then a list of people who are officiants in that area should be available.
Justin Trottier suggests that a committee be struck to bring in a training program for chaplains comparable to the chaplains available through the Ontario Multifaith Council.
Pat O'Brien suggests that there should be a discussion aboaut whether HAC membership would want humanist chaplains or not."
Welcome to the Institute for Humanist StudiesThe Institute for Humanist Studies (IHS) promotes humanism, a nonreligious philosophy based on reason and compassion. IHS advances human rights, secular ethics and the separation of religion and government through advocacy, innovation and collaboration. What is humanism?Humanism is a philosophy of life inspired by humanity and guided by reason. Millions of people around the world embrace humanist values for fuller, more joyful lives without supernatural belief in gods, heaven or hell. Are you a humanist? Legislative AlertIHS Opposes "Religious Excuse Act" in NYS Top ranking New York state politicians are pushing for legislation that grants special privileges for religion, discriminates against the nonreligious, and pits one religion against another. To find out more about this legislation, what IHS is doing to stop it, and how you can help, click here. Institute for Humanist Studies In the News$headline ($tagline)\n"; if ($row['type']=="audio") { echo ""; if (!empty($teaser)) { echo " $teaser \n\n"; } else { echo " "; } } elseif ($row['type']=="video") { echo ""; if (!empty($teaser)) { echo " $teaser \n\n"; } else { echo " "; } } else { if (!empty($teaser)) { echo " $teaser \n\n"; } else { echo " "; } } }//end while ?> Press Releases$headline "; echo "$teaser "; } ?> get_var($sql); $edition = new HNN($id_of_most_current); echo "Humanist Network NewsLatest Headlines (from "; #$edition->ShowDate(); echo date("F d, Y",$edition->getPubDate()); echo ") Subscribe e-mail "; $first_3_headlines = get_x_headlines($id_of_most_current, 3); foreach($first_3_headlines as $key => $value) { echo " $value"; } echo " "; // end HNN stuff echo " "; $currentId_sql = "SELECT * FROM $itemTable INNER JOIN $editionTable ON $itemTable.editionPointer=$editionTable.id WHERE $itemTable.presetType=\"POD\" AND $editionTable.published=\"yes\" ORDER BY $itemTable.editionPointer DESC LIMIT 1;"; //echo $currentId_sql; $allIds_sql = "SELECT * FROM $editionTable ORDER By startDate DESC;"; //echo $allIds_sql; echo " "; //echo $editionTable; //echo " "; //echo $db; //$editId = $_REQUEST["selectId"]; //echo "editId=\"$editId\" \n"; if ($ids = $db->get_results($currentId_sql)) { foreach ($ids as $edition) { echo" \n"; echo " This Month's Podcast \n"; echo "\n"; //echo "$edition->editionPointer"; echo "\n"; //echo "$edition->headline\n"; //echo " \n"; echo "$edition->teaser\n"; } echo "Learn more... \n"; echo "Subscribe to the HNN Podcast \n"; echo " "; } ?>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[precedents~ tribunal fiascos & officiant-training-denying humanists]
canadian artists and producers professional relations tribunal
annual report
13th report
2006-2007
4. the work of the tribunal:
4.5 case developments all written reasons for decisions are available on the tribunal's web site http://www.capprt-tcrpap.gc.ca/epic/site/capprt-tcrpap.nsf/vwapj/2006-2007_annua\ l_report_final.pdf/$FILE/2006-2007_annual_report_final.pdf
----------------------------------------------------------------------
writers guild of canada (wgc) (file no. 1350-06-001)
on august 11, 2006, in decision 2006 cap-prt 051, the tribunal found that it was not appropriate to review decision no. 050 on the grounds submitted, and dismissed the wgc's application.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
canadian broadcasing corporation (cbc) (file no. 1340-03-001R)
in may, 2005, the tribunal panel rescinded the decision to accept the withdrawl of the complant, and the filed remained open. on january 9, 2007, after informing the parties that this file had been dormant for more than a year, the tribunal closed the file.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
canadian actors' equity association v. department of canadian heritage (file no. 1330-05-003)
a number of associations and individuals have contacted the tribunal intending to make applications or complaints, but have not provided the necessary information to allow the tribunal to deal with their applications. the tribunal tried to assist the parties to provide the necessary information, but at year-end these cases were still incomplete.
http://www.capprt-tcrpap.gc.ca
*******************************************************
[the icing on the cake:]
From: "Casey McKibbon ~ Clergy Support ~"
[casey@clergysupport.ca]
To: ladyrev@...
Subject: RE: All Seasons Weddings Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:08:21 -0400
Thank you for your interest. Unfortunately our roster is full in your section of the city just now.
That may change as our service grows so you might want to contact us again about this time next year in case we have a need.
Regards
Casey McKibbon
Chief Governing official.
July 12, 2002 News:
ONTARIO COURT GRANTS MARRIAGE RIGHTS TO SAME-SEX COUPLES In a precedent-setting court ruling Friday morning, a Toronto court has ruled that same sex couples have the same right to be legally married as everyone else.
FULL STORY http://toronto.cbc.ca/template/servlet/View?filename=ssm_120702
----------------------------------------------------
From: Ali.Ahmad@ohrc.on.ca
Date: Wed Jul 17 10:12:54 2002
To: u.c.o.c@...
Subject: Your inquiry dated 4 June 02
Thank you for your inquiry. I have reviewed your complaint. On basis of the information provided in your email, unfortunately the Ontario Human Rights Commission cannot accept your complaint on the basis of the discrimination on religious ground.
You are advised to first apppeal for recognition with the Office of the Registrar General, if they have an appeals process, alternatively you can contact your MPP office for help.
If you have any questions please call the Ontario Human Rights Commission call center at 416-326-9521 or 1-800-387-9080.
Yours Sincerely,
Ali Ahmad.
Inquiry Services Representative.
---------------------------------------------------
September 11, 2002
[DOUBLE STANDARD AND]
HATE CRIMES ON THE RISE
The head of the Ontario Humans Rights Commission has called for increased vigilance against hate and discrimination.
FULL STORY:
http://toronto.cbc.ca/template/servlet/View?filename=hate_100902
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----Original Message-----
From: "Austin Chulumba" Date: Thursday, October 24, 2002 5:51 AM
Subject: PRAYER REQUEST
EMAIL: austinchulu@popmail.com
(South Africa)
Received from: john (unverified [66.82.48.13]) by etnhn03.eastex.net
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2002
From: "John Meaders"
To: [ULC Ministers] pstmbugua@biblegate.org, aijaz_naqvi55@hotmail.com, chadbryan80@hotmail.com, book_worm1984@hotmail.com, hope_777@webtv.net, mormon25@apl.com, Vicidams@yahoo.com, josh@1800trampoline.com, DOLLY2000KEN@yahoo.com, kennamio@yahoo.com, chipep79@yahoo.com, jf2515@aol.com, rulingstar@hotmail.com, jessi01princess02@yahoo.com, alphoncet@hotmail.com, ds082260@yahoo.com, emmadavy47@yahoo.co.uk, guy@guy.com, michaelt200201@hotmail.com, aideyanesosa@yahoo.com, vladd77@yahoo.com, estherushindi2002@yahoo.com, www.yguerdy@yahoo.com, EEB56@ADAMS.NET, pia.rikkonen@virpi.net, inengwani@yahoo.com, virgiliu88@yahoo.com, devandmar@hotmail.com, benkool2003@yahoo.com, bem@tpg.com.au, brothersabit@yahoo.co.uk, [univlifechurch]@pastors.com, molly_gal1212@hotmail.com, wmwabutwa@hotmail.com, mrbiggs10037@yahoo.com, lewros68@yahoo.com.au, mormon25@aol.com, karenf@qconline.com, shella85222@yahoo.com, BLESSED4LIFE7158@WEBTV.NET, ruthsendi@yahoo.com, cjb_friends@hotmail.com, ogeclem@yahoo.com, guyman@yahoo.com, kemiadeleke2000@yahoo.com, raka@surawung.com, walmat@37.com, avlani@venus.com, exesender@hotmail.com, EVANGELISTJOHNBULL@YAHOO.CO.UK, adamabebe5@yahoo.com, nathan.price@bigpond.com.au, chinasa_blessing@yahoo.com, louisbundala@yahoo.com, Janiemcd@earthlink.net, Linda90503@aemail4u.com, annellis35@hotmail.com, josywins@rediffmail.com, mr_mr_2000@hotmail.com, leah-25@eudoramail.com, nizagd@yahoo.com, melvnorr6@aol.com, W.d.Smith@Worldnet.att.net, Gliky@hotmail.com, BAMOHAMMAD2004@NOAVAR.com, BAMAHDI2002@NOAVAR.com, Ramjole@aol.com, hispanicgirl07029@yahoo.com, BonnieGillespie@aol.com, mugu@mugus.com, marie86404@yahoo.com, zura3@hotmail.com, 24Christ@computermail.net, ac143@tiscali.it, pastorshamaspervaiz@yahoo.com, suzban@eudoramail.com, bebban6@yahoo.com, justme@picusnet.com, BILLY29@MSN.COM, hcc944@aol.com, FredDog26@aol.com, sbrowne77@aol.com, hershel2@voyager.net, raynfaith@aol.com, dacbac@earthlink.net, grantsearch@mts.net, edel@sprynet.com, SeekingPastor@aol.com, spirmar@eastex.net, dinoweingarten@hotmail.com, tctag5@inwave.com, Bartholdi7@aol.com, dgmaceom@aol.com, dbcts@rbdc.com, danielse@oit.edu, craig20@hotmail.com, JimSawchak@aol.com, Stretch5@aol.com, palmer5@safeweb.net, jdbray@tidalwave.net, TheGeneral49@hotmail.com, timmillen@hotmail.com, dds@cgocable.net, tmc42@juno.com, boursy@churchstate.net, heneliz@aol.com, deallen@theendbygod.com, lambert2@win.bright.net, waynmin@warplink.com, www.waynmin@warplink.com, jesuskristus777@hotmail.com, 20jim.gustavson@swipnet.se, tonygulyas@angelfire.com, Edwin_2@msn.com, skyusa1@icqmail.com, edbar@ozemail.com.au, richardbennett@integrityonline.com, stewpj@exl.co.uk, marktrench@hotmail.com, kamabe007@aol.com, thehighway@gospelcom.net, jphodge@telusplanet.net, paul@jehovahjireh.freeserve.co.uk, walter.bartel@sympatico.ca, ronansmith@hotmail.com, edatkent@aol.com, papathack@door.net, BARBARA_ORR@HOTMAIL.COM, FreedomPages@aol.com, s.padbury@sheffield.ac.uk, schill.book@juno.com, rmelzine@aol.com, fbcwarrensburg@hotmail.com, agapebc2@juno.com, ronpinc@att.net, the_hancocks17@psknet.com, jonsr116@aol.com, jcsizemore@juno.com, holley@immaneulbible.net, jeep47@acnet.net, pastordon1@juno.com, bishopchase@hotmail.com, blackpreacher@aaahawk.com, evaughn@marliness.net, ontheway@innernet.net, kalebr@prodigy.net.mx, rsnoeljr@ifriendly.com, pasba@rcn.com, eimail-faithworksradio@yahoo.com, mikemiiro@hotmail.com.name, alpoorman@yahoo.com, tvc@fnol.net, Joyfullnews@aol.com, keithgreen@pastors.com, elbethel@ectisp.net, elbethel@ectisp.netCell, cfbcbme@711online.net, ryo@umontemorelos.edu.mx, jorgeptr@df1.telmex.net.mx, sdamadero@hotmail.com, IglesiaMazatlan@altavista.net, baptism@earthlink.net, pastor_rudy@yahoo.com, lic_alejocastro@iadventista.zzn.com, ohjeeze@lycos.com, pacoperez73@hotmail.com, brendalvir@usa.net, GONZALOBURGUENO@WEBTV.NET, carlosac7@yahoo.com, lunita@lycosmail.com, ChristTheLord@wi.rr.com, gerlachjl@juno.com, gaertner4@greenbaynet.com, sa_thomas_2001@indiatimes.com, marvaleo@aol.com, fwebb@hiwaay.net, devlinm@21stcentury.net, RCasner@carolina.rr.com, bmacleod@biblesociety.ca, hammarber@aol.com, apetrask@starite.com, caghrist@hotmail.com, andysiis@swbell.net, Jhawke@newnorth.net, cawee@earthlink.net, Annette4@att.net, shorty_810@hotmail.com, deckertr@earthlink.com, robdamia@qcconnect.com, aliksl@btinternet.com, Gill.Dong.@tinyworls.co.uk, mycasita@aol.com, gaertner4@greenbay.net, nelsoncanul@hotmail.com, danynoly@caribe.net, dardol_se@yahoo.com, isanet@gmx.at, sda11@mindspring.com, mwh11@cvip.fresno.com, Bob@TaxSupply.comSnailmail, pastoral@clmphc.org, BethelMcAllen@aol.com, llcpastor@earthlink.net, pams@carmelbaptist.org, "adamu Solomon"
FW: PRAYER REQUEST
Hi,
My name is Pastor John Meaders. I received this email today, as I believe you did also. I wanted to give you warning concerning this. I have been involved in this type of thing before. It is just like the Nigerian email scams that are surfacing all over the internet. I feel this is one. Please do not give this man any financial details, especially your bank account. They steal money from you rather than give you 12.5 million. I was compelled in my spirit to contact you and just warn you.
Be blessed!!
Dr. John Meaders
==============================================================================
From: "Glenn Hutton" Date: Wed Jun 26 13:39:22 2002
To: Subject: Re: ULC IN ONTARIO #3
"It is illegal to tie an alligator to a fire hydrant."
title of a book listing some of the current dumb laws
which still exist. The title of the book is one of
those laws.
Quote marks "" indicate a direct quote. When ..... is
used a portion of the quote is missing. When (my
comments).
The preamble of an Act states the intent of the Act.
The Supreme Court of Canada, on one occasion, used the
intent (preamble) to make a ruling. Constitution Act
1982, Part 1 Preamble "Whereas Canada is founded upon
the principles that recognize the supremecy of God and
the law." Note God is listed first and not the law.
See the following sections - section 1., section 2.
".....following fundamental freedoms:" - (and four are
listed). Under "Equality Rights" (Rights not
privileges) section 15.1 "....without discrimination
.... religion ....". section 26 "....not to be
construed as denying .... any other rights and freedoms
that exist in Canada." section 52 (inconsistancy has
no force or effect.). Please look them up and read
carefully.
T1 General Information Guide [Ontario] 2000 define page
12 "For tax purposes you have a spouse when you are
legally married or living common law with someone."
(define spouse: husdand or wife. Highland Dictionary
1954) Note outlined red block, change in the English
language as defined by government decision as to the
meaning of spouse. For 2001 define page 11 introduces
change of 'spouse' from common law spouse to common law
partner (a subtle change but a change). Now examine
the definition from 1993 tax info guide [Ontario]
"Spouse - The term spouse used throughout this guide
applies to a legally married spouse and a common-law
spouse. A common-law spouse is a person of the
opposite sex, who at that particular time...."
Revised Statutes of Ontario [R.S.O.] 1990.c. R-22
Religious Freedom Act with only one section "1. The
free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and
worship, without discrimination or preference, provided
the same be not made an excuse for acts of
licentiousness, or justification of practices
inconsistent with the peace and safety of the Province,
is by constitution and laws of this Province assured to
all Her Majesty's subjects within the same. R.S.O.
1990.c. R22, s. 1."
I will be away from my desk for two weeks. In the mean
time I would appreciate some comments or questions.
Are you receiving these emails? Do you want to
continue? Please let me know. May God bless
belovedproud Glenn
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Glenn Hutton" (belovedproud@email.com)
Date: Wed Jun 19 16:09:49 2002
To: u.c.o.c@..., natasha.christie@gects.ge.com
Subject: ULC IN ONTARIO Part 2
Cochran's Law Lexicon "Magna Carta, the Great Charter
of England liberties, so called. It was based
substantially upon the Saxon common law, and contains
the solemn restitution of the ancient liberties of the
realm, extracted by the barons from King John, in the
year 1215,and was subsequently confirmed by over thirty
different statutes, of which those of 9 Henry III, and
Edward I, are most important. It provides inter alia
against abuses of the royal prerogative, and for the
proper administration of justice." Blacks Law
Dictionary "Licence, The permission by a competent
authority to do an act which without such permission
would be illegal."
> > > Ontario Government Not-for-profit incorporators
Handbook. Part I 1.2 creates an artificial person
(legal entity under Equity Law) with a life separate
from its members. 1.3 Without Inc. you do not have
legal separation. Disadvantage: Loss of by-laws that
do not agree with the laws of incorporation. (If your
rules disagree they must be made to conform. Freedom
of religion?). 1.4.E allows to form under advancement
of religion.
> > > Part 6 6.2.2.a Advancement of religion.
6.3.1.3 defines the narrow areas (box in which you can
operate). 6.5 Take note of first sentence. Also see
Governing Law which follows. A contract with the
government eg incorporating is actually an agreement to
give up some of your rights for a government privilege
(create a legal entity). That is why your religious
rules, by-laws etc must conform to the senior partners
(govt.) rules. (Is this the religious freedom we are
guaranteed under the charter of Rights and Freedoms?)
Remember in Magna
> > > Carta 1 prevents government interference with the
freedom of the church. The preamble of the 1982
portion of our constitution refers to "God and law",
two separate parts. Under God we have Common Law.
Under government we have Roman Law later known as
Statute/Civil/marine/military/ect law (rules devised by
man) That is it for now will be back. As always if
you have comments, suggestions, or questions let me
know. belovedproud Glenn
-------------------------------------------------
From: "Glenn Hutton" Date: Fri Jun 14 13:27:19 2002
To: Cc: refausse@aol.com, jaxom@amtelecom.net, towman@sympatico.ca, amhranai@golden.net, newfieteddybear10@rogers.com, holly@bust.com, idnasgilles@hotmail.com, velvet44@natzero.net, rev_dwwood@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: ULC IN ONTARIO
By now I assume you have at least some of the items I
suggested. God instituted Marriage Gen. 2 verse 18 to
24.
Throughout the bible the Man of the house gives the
woman into marriage eg Dt. 2:16, Ex. 22:17, 1Cor. 7:38
Even in a civil cermony it is asked who gives this
woman. Magana Carta of 1215 signed by King John in the
first
part is declared that the church is free from all
interference by civil authorities. The latest 1225
signed by the next
king restates the freedom of the church. Common Law
was derived from the Laws handed down by Moses
(10 commandments). This became the basis of the Anglo
Saxon Common Law. Abe Lincoln was married by
Common Law. Geo. Washington was married by Common
Law. In this day Governor General Adrien Clarkson
lived
in Common Law with her Common Law husband John
Rawlston Saul. The day before being elevated to
Governor
General they were married in a civil ceremony. What
is wrong with that? When you are married in a civil
ceremony
there is a hidden third party to that marriage (the
government). You are given a licence and the product
of that
licence becomes the property of the marriage which
includes the government. Common Law is recognized by
the
provinces (except Quebec) many web sites can prove it.
That is it for now will be in touch later. If you have
comments
I would be glad to respond. May God bless
belovedproud Glenn
----------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 01:37:42 -0000
From: "shadowfireraven" (ShadowFireRaven@aol.com)
Subject: Some Clarification.
ulchq.com-Official website of the Universal Life Church
Headquarters. If you become ordained through our site,
you will
receive a certificate with your name typed onto it, as
well as other
information about the church and the materials and
services we
provide. The certificate that you receive is also a
legal document
that would be needed if you were required to register
with one of the
states that asks you to do so. The information and
certificate we
send to would be sent either the same day your request
comes in, or
the next day at the latest, by regular postal mail.
ulc.net-Website maintained by a minister of the
Universal Life Church
named Kevin Andrews. His site is affiliated with our
church. His
site does offer online ordinations, which do come to
us, to legally
make you a minister.
ulc.org-Website maintained by another minister named
Daniel Zimmerman
in Tucson, AZ. His site is also affiliated with our
church. This
site has the printable certificates, however, they are
not legal
documents if required to show proof of your ordination.
Also, if you
were to order one of the packages from his site, it
might take up to
6 weeks to receive that package.
All three sites have options to become a minister of
the Universal
Life Church, it is all a matter of preference on which
site you would
like to visit.
---------------------------------------------------
From: "John Brienesse" brienasse@cogeco.ca
Date: Tue Jun 11 21:27:32 2002
To: "Glenn Hutton" belovedproud@email.com, Subject: Re: ULC IN ONTARIO and "Glen Hutton"
Hello again!!
This is John Brienesse, PH.D. again!
As of now, I am disassociating with Rev.Glen Hutton.
I can only talk to
rational people. I am not saying that we can not get
this marriage thing
working.
But not his way . He thinks that an Archaic law like
the Magna Carta will
get him somewhere, good Luck.
Also he is not willing to put his plan on the line,
and is very secretive
about everything. I have asked him to lay out his plan.
But he still insist
on us reading through the Magna Carta. Which I did by
the way. It was
written in the year 1200. And it was written for the
English people. There
was a small chance that about 70 years ago; when the
Queen had a lot more to
say in this Country than she does now, but I am not
even sure about that.
The only way the Ontario Government explained it to
me, is to get a
congregation going in a City where there are the most
ULCers, and then get
it
legalized there. That is the only way. After we have
done that, then we go
to the next biggest City and we ordain some more
Ministers until we have a
congregation. (The law is: "that every Minister has to
have his own
Congregation, and the minimum is 12 to 15 people. that
means that you can
only legalize one Minister to start with.
But after you have one congregation, then it should not
that hard to get
some followers. And do not make your congregations too
big to start with.
There are some of us here in Canada that think that
it is not possible;
well it is.
but that is the only way to go.
As far as Glen Hutton goes, I think he is looking
for glory; he wants to
give nothing away . He wants to be the boss, and I can
not work with people
like that.
I have a PH.D. but I am only one of the crowd, and
everyone must have
some input; and it is very much possible that there are
smarter people than
me around, without a PH.D.
I personally do not like to be called reverend
either; because [I feel] no one
deserves it.
In the Oxford Dictionary it says that it means:
"Deserving to be treated
with respect."
Well !! everybody that is decent deserves to be
treated with respect; you
do not need the title for that.
John Brienesse.
Good Luck!
PS. Religious Freedom means: that any one can start a
Religion, but you must
have followers in the City you are starting a new
religion. And if you have
no followers who are you going to marry?
----------------------------------------------------
From: "John Brienesse" (brienasse@cogeco.ca)
Date: Mon Jun 10 22:05:31 2002
To: "Glenn Hutton" (belovedproud@email.com), (u.c.o.c@...), (natasha.christie@gects.ge.com), (elektra_kat@yahoo.com), (propheticvoice@sympatico.ca), (nicholasbastine@hotmail.com), (ssimms@cogeco.ca), (magius_templar@yahoo.ca), (rcrookall@myrealbox.com), (bluemoonaries@cogeco.ca)
Cc: (refausse@aol.com), (jaxom@amtelecom.net), (towman@sympatico.ca), (amhranai@golden.net), (newfieteddybear10@rogers.com), (holly@bust.com), (idnasgilles@hotmail.com), (velvet44@natzero.net), (rev_dwwood@hotmail.com)
Subject: Re: ULC in Ont corrections
Original Message -----
From: "Glenn Hutton" belovedproud@email.com
To: brienasse@cogeco.ca;
Cc: Sent: Monday, June 10, 2002 7:19 PM
Subject: ULC IN ONTARIO corrections
You wrote:
To obtain the Magna Carta go to http://eawc.evansville.edu drop to the
bottom of the page click Europe on that page click
Magna Carta. For the
government page
http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.on.ca/html/NFPINC/index.htm
take off Part 1 and Part 6. As before let me know by
email when you have
the required information. We can continue from there.
Do not forget you
also will need pencil and paper. If you have Yahoo
chat let me know I have
voice on the chat therefore we could talk.
belovedproud Glenn
--
This is Dr. John Brienesse, PH.D
I did get the Magna Carta, But the Attorney General
would not come on my
screen.
I read the Magna Carta , and all I seen is a bunch of
archaic laws that
are not worth a plugged nickle in this day and age.
Now what really gets me, is that you do not come
forward, and explain what
is in the Magna Carta, that is in our favor , and give
us an outline of what
you are up to. It would not be too hard to describe in
an E-mail what there
is that is supposed to help us. I hope that you are
able to put together a
story of what is in the Magna Carta, and what the
attorney General has that
is in our favor.
So far, it seems to me, that either you do not know
what you are talking
about, or you are grand standing a bit. I do not have
the time to sit and
look up things that are not on the net. or things I can
not get. I went to
Toronto to Queens Park, and they only told me to see my
local MP. They would
not even give me the time of day. I have you know that
I get between 100 or
150 E-mails a day. I am a person that has no time for
plodding around like
this. This letter may be harsh, but I bet that the
other people do not have
the time to fool around either. SO TELL US IN A E_MAIL
EXACTLY WHAT YOU
THINK YOU GOT; otherwise leave me alone. I do not like
people that wave
flags under my nose for no reason at all.
Yours Truly!!
John Brienesse,PH.D
----------------------------------------------------
From: ULChurch_We_Are_One group
Date: Sat Jun 8 22:38:47 2002
To: ULChurch_We_Are_One group
Subject: Universal Life Church - Digest Number 310
Universal Life Church - We Are One!
Date: Sat, 08 Jun 2002 19:16:26 +0300
From: Petros Evdokas Subject: RE: Links... / letter from Headquarters
Subject: RE: Links...
Date: Thu, 6 Jun 2002 08:53:45 -0700
From: "Universal Life Church"
(generalcontact@ulchq.com)
To: "Petros Evdokas" (petros_cyprus@burleehost.net)
We apologize for the tenseness of the e-mail. It was
not intended to be
that way, and if there are any bad feelings regarding
said communication, we
would like to move that to the side and progress
forward. The "money
worshippers" as you claim, have not taken over the
church. At the time of
the Monastery's website creation, we did not have the
resources or
experience to create a website of our own, so we asked
Brother Daniel to
create a website in our interests. However, over the
past couple of years,
the ideas of Headquarters and the ideas of Brother
Daniel have not quite
been in sync so we have created our own site. Mainly
for the purpose of
letting any news or events happening at Headquarters,
be spread to the
world.
Anyway, again I apologize for the sharp e-mail that was
sent, and I hope
that there are no bad feelings, and we do appreciate
your support.
Thank you.
--------------------
Hello Joshua,
A million thanks for your response. This is the
swiftest response I've ever experienced (or heard of)
from the Mother Church on anything (it came the same
day!). It's greatly appreciated.
In your response, you address some things which have
been troubling many members/ friends/ family of the
ulc, for a few years now. Is it a sign of a shift in
the balance of things?
As you probably know, the whole yahoo- related
conglomerate of online services is the largest portal
on the internet, so those of the ulc who Congregate
through those nodes (groups), have an impact on ulc
communities everywhere, both online and offline, in the
real world. So, I hope it's ok with you that I'm
sharing this dialogue with lots of our people, in the
hope that others among us will take heart from your
tone and directness, and resist the money- worshippers
everywhere.
We all know that the Modesto headquarters is very busy
and that replying to individual mails, phones, and
emails, is difficult. (In fact for me, the last direct
contact I had with anyone in Modesto was in 1989 on the
phone with Andre Hensley). That's why your tone and
response is valuable - who knows when something so
clear and concrete might come our way again from that
direction? But anyway, if it helps you be in touch with
more of what our members feel and say, I'm including
some relevant letters below (written before your recent
letter).
There are many ways ulc might benefit from its millions
of members online; among us there are many resources,
valid opinions, knowledge, and access to facilities
which might be utilised to make better sense of the
Modesto presence on the internet.
Please feel free to write to any of us about anything,
or just use our group addresses above to disperse news,
information, updates. Also, if you prefer our
communications to be more private, it's easily
arranged.
Thanks again,
Petros
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 06 Jun 2002 18:39:38 +0300
From: Petros Evdokas (petros_cyprus@burleehost.net)
Subject: Re: Links...
Universal Life Church wrote:
Hello. Your link for the ULC Headquarters is
incorrect. Your link is
pointing to the ULC Monastery in Tucson, AZ that is
run by one of our
ministers, such as yourselves. If you could kindly
point your link to
http://www.ulchq.com we would appreciate it.
Thank you.
Universal Life Church
601 Third St.
Modesto, CA 95351
(209) 527-8111
generalcontact@ulchq.com
----------------------------------------------------
On Fri, 10 May 2002, "Pastor" (pastor@ulc.net) wrote
To: "u.c.o.c" (u.c.o.c@...)
If you would like to be put on the mailing list for the ULC Newsletter the
cost is $15 a year. You may send that to:
Universal Life Church
601 Third St.
Modesto, CA 95351
----------------------------------------------------
"From: ULCHQ@aol.com
Date: Thu May 9 17:24:56 2002
To: u.c.o.c@...
Hello,
You are now on our Canadian Mailing list.
Thank you,
ULC, Janice
Office Clerk
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: April 26, 2002
From: Rev N
[Forum]Guest
I did speak to someone at ULC. She said that the process to legalize our standing in Ontario was in the works. They have to make a 'prayer book'. But, because we are non-denominational it was difficult. Brother Daniel (daniel@ulc.org) is going to try and present the spiritual passages.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: ULCHQ@aol.com
To: sara_beamish@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: Ontario Canada
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 10:11:04 EDT
I am not sure who you submitted your replys to before. The ULC is in the process of registering in Canada. We have been doing this for sometime, and each time we step forward we find a new step that needs to be
completed.
We are now in the process of registering with the Charity Revenue dept. Once we receive approval from them we can more forward.
We have learned that ministers of our church are able to perform most duties of the ministry there with our registering individually. It is the performance of Marriages that they must register for.
Please submit your full mailing address as well as email and we will add you to the Canadian Mailing list so that we can keep you informed.
Thank you,
Andre Hensley
Office Manager
------------------------------------
From: "Smith Jenn" (nighthawk_wintermoon@yahoo.com)
To: "7planes" Sent: Saturday, June 08, 2002 8:35 PM
Subject: [SevenPlanes] forum still down
Is someone working to get the forum back up? it's
still down, at least
for
me. Love, Mother Nighthawk
------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 8 May 2002 00:10:56 -0500
From: "Dr. James A Windham, Rabbi"
(fishpaw@houston.rr.com)
Subject: Re: Misinformation about Theological Degrees
Strange, but colleges that offer religious, but not
secular, degrees are
exempt from having the approval of The Commission of
Higher Education. The
major accrediting association of theological schools in
the United States is
the WWAC (Richmond, VA) for Christian schools and
other, non-governmental,
organizations also accredit various religious schools.
The US government has nothing to do with the
accrediting of non-secular
schools and, thus, all religious degrees - regardless
of where they were
received - are considered honorary. Even the US
military recognizes the
accreditation of the WWAC et al. in selecting its
chaplains.
Very few secular schools offer religious degrees of any
nature beyond the
baccalaureate.
So ... you're right ... the misinformation on the
internet abounds. I do
not get my information via email or web searching ....
Received From: scottys@racingseat.com
Date: Fri Sep 20 12:18:46 2002 (NZST)
To: (datasecure@bigpond.com)www.wwj.org.nz, (ramanu@hotmail.com)www.wwj.org.nz, (erat@yahoo.com)www.wwj.org.nz, (smith@thesitesmith.com)www.wwj.org.nz, (kufam@yahoo.com)www.wwj.org.nz, (morakul@yahoo.com)www.wwj.org.nz, (kenneth@napanet.net)www.wwj.org.nz, (raman@agt.net)www.wwj.org.nz, (u.c.o.c@pastors.com)www.wwj.org.nz, (mora@hotmail.com)www.wwj.org.nz, (raman@akran.ca)www.wwj.org.nz, (raman@blr.pin.philips.com)www.wwj.org.nz, (ucodps@yahoo.com)www.wwj.org.nz
Subject: Wanna See My Pics? Open Me
oh:
Hi im Jessica. Me and my boyfriend Steve have setup a
webcam. click the link below to watch us on it!!
[CAUTION! VERY OFFENSIVE:]
http://rd.yahoo.com/?[hacked] http://www.teenybuTtS.com/new/frames1.html
--------
From: "Deborah Coleman" [revdeb@worldchat.com]
Date: Thu Nov 21 20:40:11 2002
To: "Disabled"
Subject: Re: Correspondence Course
Hello - thank you for your interest. However at this
time, we do not have
the necessary personal [personnel] to create a correspondence
course, and I don't
foresee this happening in the near future. When and if
we ever do have this
available, it will be advertised, and I hope that if
you are still
interested, we could work with you to complete the
program. I pray for the
very best for you, and the fulfillment of your dreams.
To Touch...To Heal...To Teach
Let Your Spirit Soar...
Fast Track Seminars for Spiritual, Personal and
Business Development and
Growth
----- Original Message -----
From: "Disabled"
To: revdeb@worldchat.com
Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2002
Subject: Correspondence Course
Dear Rev Deb,
I am very interested in your minister program,
however,
I am disabled and would be interested in a
correspondence course or distance program when/if such
becomes available with the Church of Truth.
Please keep me advised.
Sincerely,
"Disabled"
December 11, 2002
HOLY U.N. PROTESTERS BUSTED:
http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/64392.htm
By LEAH HAINES
Police yesterday arrested 107 priests, pastors,
rabbis and members of their flocks as they protested in
front of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations against
a possible American-led war against Iraq.
Dec. 19, 2002. 01:00 AM
Province gets first female top judge
Superior Court has new chief One of few women called to bar in '73
CATHERINE PORTER, STAFF REPORTER
After decades of trailblazing through Ontario's legal system, Madam Justice Heather Smith has made her way right to the top.
Yesterday, she was sworn in as Chief Justice of Ontario's Superior Court of Justice, becoming the first female chief justice of any court in Ontario.
"It's time for a woman to take that position and I can't think of a better woman to take it than Heather," said Beverly Wilton, a former colleague of Smith's at the federal Department of Justice in Toronto.
Smith, appointed to the position last week by Prime Minister Jean Chr�tien, has sat as a judge on the country's largest Superior Court since 1990. For the past six years, she served as its associate chief justice.
Moving into her new post she replaces Mr. Justice Patrick Lesage, who stepped down in September, and who is now a judge-in-residence at the University of Toronto.
When Smith was first called to the bar in 1973, it was as one of the few women in what was still a predominantly man's world.
"When I started my practice, there were only three women practicing criminal law in Toronto, one of whom was Heather," laughs Toronto criminal lawyer Marlys Edwardh. "And the other woman quit by the end of the year."
Smith made her name as a crown prosecutor with the justice department cutting her teeth on mostly drug cases. By the time she left, appointed to the bench of the county & district court in Brampton ten years later, the number of women practicing in the courtroom had increased significantly.
"She was a real trailblazer," said Wilton, who was mentored by Smith as a fellow prosecutor with the department of justice. "She made it easier for people like me who came after."
Smith made headlines this past summer after issuing a landmark ruling instructing the Canadian parliament to adjust family law legislation to recognize same-sex marriages.
Toronto Star
In Ontario, funeral services may be provided only by a licensed funeral director and then only through a funeral establishment. A transfer service may provide for the removal of the deceased from the place of death and the delivery of the body to a cemetery or crematorium. Funeral establishments and transfer services require a licence to offer services to the public.
The role of the Board is to serve the public interest and protect the interest of clients of licensed funeral establishments and transfer services. The Board is responsible for administering the 'Funeral Directors and Establishments Act' in the Province of Ontario.
The Board of Funeral Services can investigate and/or mediate consumer complaints. The Board also administers the Prepaid Funeral Services Compensation Fund. Only funds paid to licensed funeral establishments and transfer services are covered by the fund.
Insist upon proof that the funeral establishment or transfer service is currently licensed by the Board.
With the cooperation of the provinces and territories, Parliament could leave marriage to the religions
Parliament could choose to underscore the division of church and state in Canada by making a clearer distinction between the role of Parliament and that of the religions in the area of marriage. To accomplish this goal, all legal effect could be removed from marriage, leaving marriage exclusively to the religions. This would require the full cooperation of all provinces and territories.
What would this look like?
Parliament could repeal all federal law on marriage and all references in federal law and programs to marriage. These would be replaced with a new registry for opposite-sex and same-sex couples using neutral language, for example, registered partner. Existing marriages could be deemed to be included, but all new relationships would be required to be registered under the new system in order to be recognized in law. Federal divorce laws would apply only to existing marriages, and the breakdown of registered relationships would be governed by provincial and territorial law. A couple could choose to be married by a religious official, but that marriage would have no effect in law unless the couple also registered in the new system. Each religion would decide whether to perform marriage only for opposite-sex couples or also for same-sex couples.
What would this do?
This approach would work only with the full cooperation of all provinces and territories as the new registry would replace provincial and territorial marriage registries and civil union and domestic partner registries.
If provinces and territories decided instead to continue to exercise their constitutional jurisdiction to solemnize marriages, this approach would not work for two reasons. First, there would be no federal law setting out who can get married, meaning that either the Charter equality concerns would continue regarding the opposite-sex meaning of marriage (since the federal common law on this legal issue would still exist and so be open to challenge), or court decisions on the equality issue would have to fill the gap created in the federal law. Second, if provinces and territories continued to elect to solemnize marriages, there would no longer be any law on divorce that applied to these new marriages. Parliament could be criticized for not exercising its authority over divorce to protect vulnerable partners and children.
If there were full cooperation by all provinces and territories, a uniform registry system could allow for legal recognition of committed conjugal relationships (either opposite sex or same sex) and full and equal treatment. There would no longer be any references to marriage in any federal law, but existing marriages and new registrations would be eligible for the full range of benefits and obligations under law.
As marriage would no longer exist in law, laws regarding the legal consequences of the breakdown of marriages on divorce would apply only to existing marriages. Provincial and territorial law would apply to the breakdown of any relationships in the new registry, including those where a religious marriage had taken place.
This new registry would be difficult to challenge before the courts, because all couples would be treated the same way. However, it would likely concern those who believe that marriage should be legally recognized and may make them feel that their beliefs have been marginalized. It could also create difficulties if a couple moved to another country. First, the other country would have to determine if the marriage was legally valid there, and second, a couple moving to Canada who had been married elsewhere might have difficulties getting a divorce.
How you can join the debate:
http://www.canada.justice.gc.ca/en/dept/pub/mar/6.html
From: "Barbara Anello" anello@thot.net
Subject: Valentine's Day of Action for Equal Marriage!
Hello all,
EGALE Canada advances equality and justice for lesbian,
gay, bisexual and
transgendered people, and their families, across Canada.
Read below about the the Feb 14 day of action for equal
marriage!
You can also help spread the word by adding a line to
your e-mail signature,
by including:
"I support equal marriage for same-sex couples!
For more information or to show your support visit:
http://www.egale.ca/equalmarriage.asp
cheers
Barbara
GET ENGAGED IN THE CAMPAIGN FOR EQUAL MARRIAGE!
A) VALENTINE'S DAY OF ACTION
You're invited!
Are you interested in participating in a National Day
of Action on February
14?
On Valentine's Day, the national LGBT equality rights
organisation Egale
Canada is inviting same-sex couples across the country,
together with their
families, supporters and friends, to present themselves
at their local
marriage registry office and ask for a marriage licence.
In what has been dubbed a campaign of "civil
obedience", this day of action
will draw country-wide attention to the fact that
same-sex couples cannot
yet get legally married. In many cases, the city/town
would like to issue
marriage licences to same-sex couples, but the federal
government prohibits
this.
"On a day usually reserved for celebrating love, our
love and our
relationships are not equally valued," said Campaign
Coordinator Richard
Chambers.
"By taking local action in our own hometowns, we are
asking all Canadians to
defend our equal right to celebrate our love by calling
on the federal
Justice Minister to honour our Charter rights and end
marriage
discrimination. Equal marriage is not about special
rights and privileges.
Equal marriage is about allowing same-sex couples the
freedom of choice -
the freedom of choice that heterosexual couples have
always enjoyed. Equal
marriage is about fairness. It's about ending
discrimination."
Egale has identified coordinators in regions across
Canada to provide
support to community-members wanting to participate and
to respond to media
inquiries.
To get involved, or to find out more, just contact:
National Coordinator:
Richard Chambers,
416-323-9751 (h); 416-231-7680 x 4196 (w)
valentine@egale.ca
Newfoundland & Labrador:
Michael Riehl: 709-726-1850 (h); 709-737-3272 (w)
mriehl@mun.ca
Price Edward Island:
Eric Fullerton,
902-566-3036,
ericg.fullerton@pei.sympatico.ca
Nova Scotia:
Don Tabor,
902-667-2635 (h); 902-597-2449 (w)
don@egale.ca
New Brunswick:
Art and Wayne Toole,
506-382-5837 (h); 506-863-7888 (w)
godfather@rogers.com
Quebec:
Dominique Dubuc,
819-822-0323 (h)
srobert@sympatico.ca
Ontario:
Kevin Bourassa,
416-894-3065
samesex@samesexmarriage.ca
Manitoba:
Karen Busby,
204-474-6155 (w)
karen_busby@umanitoba.ca
Donna Huen,
204-474-0212,
wglrc@escape.ca
Saskatchewan:
Donna Smith,
306-757-9292 (h); 306-522-8571 (w)
dsmith@sgeu.gov.sk.ca
Alberta:
Stephen Lock,
403-228-9936 (h); 403-708-5302 (cell)
stlock@nucleus.com
British Columbia:
Craig Maynard,
604-790-8751,
cmaynard@shaw.ca
Northwest Territories:
Julie Green.
867-669-7759,
greenjulie@hotmail.com
Nunavut:
Allison Brewer,
867-979-2093 (h); 867-975-5717 (w)
brewer@nunavut.com
B) EQUAL MARRIAGE LOBBYING KIT NOW ON-LINE!
We realize that not everyone can participate in the
Valentine's Day of
Action, but there are lots of other things you can do
to help!
Check out http://www.egale.ca/equalmarriage.asp for our equal
marriage lobbying
kit. This kit will give you the tools you need to make
a difference,
including:
* What you can do to help;
* Egale same-sex marriage position statement;
* Contact info for Ministers, MPs and members of the
Justice and Human
Rights Committee;
* Sample letter to MPs;
* Petition in support of equal marriage.
You'll also find a copy of our brief to the House of
Commons in support of
equal marriage.
C) SPREAD THE WORD!
Help spread the word by adding a line to your e-mail
signature, saying: "I
support equal marriage for same-sex couples! For more
information or to
show your support visit:http://www.egale.ca/equalmarriage.asp.
You can also check out http://www.samesexmarriage.ca for a
wealth of information on
same-sex marriage rights.
D) MAKE A DONATION!
Can't get a marriage licence? Help us get you one!
The campaign to win
equal marriage will be expensive, and we need all the
support we can get!
You can donate on-line at http://www.egale.ca/marriagedonation.asp, by e-mailing us
at equalmarriage@egale.ca or by calling us toll-free at
1-888-204-7777.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT - TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A
DIFFERENCE!
Barbara Anello,
acting chair,
DAWN Ontario,
975 McKeown Ave.,
Unit 5A, Suite 162,
North Bay, ON P1B 9P2.
Tel: 705.494.9078;
Email: anello@thot.net;
URL: http://dawn.thot.net.
I support equal marriage for same-sex couples! For
more information or to
show your support visit:http://www.egale.ca/equalmarriage.asp
Gay Couples Pop Big Question, but the States' Reply Is the Same By BARBARA WHITAKER --
Gay couples sought marriage licenses in 120 other cities and towns from California to Connecticut.
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/15/national/15GAY.html?th
~~~
Gay Couples Pop Big Question, but the States' Reply Is the Same
By BARBARA WHITAKER
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14 � When the Rev. Troy D. Perry and his partner went to the marriage bureau today, they knew that the odds were not in their favor. But what better time than Valentine's Day to try?
One of five gay couples who lined up for marriage licenses at a courthouse in the San Fernando Valley, Mr. Perry and his partner of 18 years, Philip Ray DeBlieck, were politely turned down along with the others: two male couples and two female.
Mr. Perry, longtime civil rights advocate and the founder of the predominantly gay Metropolitan Community Churches, resolved to return next year and thanked the clerk, who made it clear that she was simply following the law: although Vermont has extended domestic-partner benefits to same-sex couples, no state recognizes same-sex marriages.
At the urging of Mr. Perry's ministry, gay couples also sought marriage licenses today in 120 other cities and towns from California to Connecticut, the church said. The national effort was as much about demonstrating against what the couples see as unfair laws as about demonstrating their love.
"For me it's not a religious issue, it's a legal issue," said Mr. Perry, whose fellowship of churches claims 46,000 members and adherents in 22 countries. "It's a matter of equality and simple justice."
Officials at Metropolitan Community Churches said that they did not have an estimate of the number of couples who participated in the Valentine's Day effort but that thousands of "action kits" on participating had been distributed.
In Connecticut, where the legislature is considering a measure legalizing same-sex marriages, the Rev. George Chien, pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Hartford, and his partner, Julio Flores, stopped by City Hall to ask for a license. But they, too, were turned away.
Jim Birkitt, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Community Church of Los Angeles, said the fellowship performed some 6,000 same-sex marriages a year, here and elsewhere. "These marriages are recognized by God," Mr. Birkitt said, "but not by the government." (New York Times)
ONTARIO APOLOGIZES TO SAME-SEX MINISTER
A bureaucrat will apologize for censuring a Toronto
minister who married a lesbian couple, a government
spokesperson said Wednesday.
FULL STORY: http://toronto.cbc.ca/template/servlet/View?
filename=to_samesex20030306
Same-sex married couples rejoice
Ruling recognizes union of couples married in 2001; others rush to wed
By ESTANISLAO OZIEWICZ ~
From Wednesday's Globe and Mail
Toronto For Kevin Bourassa, 45, and Joe Varnell, 33, becoming Canada's first same-sex married couple is bittersweet, even as advocates call their union a world first.''Gee, I wish my mom could have seen this,'' Mr. Varnell said. ''Because of what the court did in Ontario today no mother will ever again not be able to dance at her son's wedding. That's a wonderful thing.''
With his "lawfully wedded husband" at his side, Mr. Varnell said they planned to celebrate by going home, popping a bottle of champagne and cuddling with their cat.
"If you forgive me, I never want to see any of you in my living room again," he said.
The pioneering couple, who were wed on Jan. 14, 2001, and other same-sex couples seeking to be married in civil ceremonies were speaking at a news conference after a historic Ontario Court of Appeal ruling that they have a constitutional right to marriage.
"Canada gets the gold medal for same-sex marriage around the world," said Trent Morris, lawyer for the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto.
"I would like to congratulate them for being the first same-sex couple married not only in Canada but, as Mr. Morris indicated, the first same-sex couple in the world," said Cynthia Peterson, lawyer for EGALE, a national advocacy organization for gays and lesbians.
The Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize marriage for gays and lesbians on April 1, 2001. This year, Belgium became the second country to open marriage to same-sex couples. Unlike its northern neighbour, Belgium did not allow such couples to adopt children.
Mr. Varnell, an e-commerce consultant, and Mr. Bourassa, a former bank manager who is now a full-time advocate for marriage equality, were wed at the Metropolitan Community Church before the Dutch law was changed, using an ancient -- and legally valid -- Christian tradition of publication of banns, which amount to a notice of intent to marry. This allowed them to avoid having to get a marriage licence issued by the city.
The hitch, however, has been that whether a marriage in Ontario is preceded by civil licence or by banns, it has to be registered by the province's registrar-general.
Yesterday's court ruling not only ordered the City of Toronto to issue licences to same-sex couples but also told the province to register same-sex marriages. The city complied immediately, and by late yesterday morning had issued licences to several couples, including Ontario Crown attorney Michael Leshner, 55, who a few hours later married his partner of two decades, Michael Stark, 45, in front of Mr. Justice John Hamilton of the Ontario Superior Court.
"This is first and foremost a Canadian love story," said Mr. Leshner, who has been a thorn in the side of the Ontario government for years.
"This is why people come to Canada, because they marvel at our values, and we've sent an unmistakable message that love can conquer all, the love of two good men can defeat everything. . . . It [homophobia] is dead legally as of today."
The joy and optimism of homosexual groups was tempered by the Ontario government's reluctance to embrace the ruling immediately without reservation.
Attorney-General Norman Sterling told the legislature that he was waiting to hear whether the federal government would appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. Although municipalities and provinces administer marriages, the federal government is responsible for defining marriage.
"We will, of course, follow what the court says in the decision and follow that to the letter of the law," Mr. Sterling said.
Among those celebrating yesterday were Joyce Barnett and Alison Kemper, who also picked up their marriage licences at Toronto City Hall and will marry in July, 2004. The women, both of whom are ordained in the Anglican Church, have been together since 1984.
Their two children were delighted. "I knew that nobody could say I didn't have a family," said Robbie, 11, who was born to Ms. Kemper. "Canada has finally figured out it's unfair to deny this to anybody."
His sister Hannah, 17, said she has grown up to find that she is heterosexual. She said she is indebted to her parents for bringing her up "where it's okay to be what you want to be."
The court ruling did not sit well with some religious organizations, including the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
EFC president Bruce Celemenger said the court has fundamentally redefined marriage.
"It is not an appropriate use of the Charter to redefine pre-existing social, cultural and religious institutions," he said.
Gay marriage issue heads for top court
Rulings expected to clear legal route to same-sex unions
Janice Tibbetts,
The Ottawa Citizen
Monday, July 07, 2003
The Justice Department is expected to deliver a draft bill and three clear constitutional questions to the Supreme Court of Canada later this week that will set the stage for a new federal law allowing gays and lesbians to wed.
The key element of the proposed legislation will be a rewording of the 137-year-old definition of marriage, which will become the union of "two persons," rather than "one man and one woman."
The wording will reflect the recent ruling from the Ontario Court of Appeal, which changed the definition in Canada's largest province to reflect the Charter of Rights guarantee of equality, a government source confirmed.
The Justice Department is asking the Supreme Court to vet the proposed bill by giving non-binding legal advice on whether it complies with the Charter of Rights, a special process known as a reference.
The government will also pose two other questions to the court: Is it constitutional for the bill to state that religious institutions cannot be forced to perform gay weddings and is the definition of marriage the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government rather than the provinces?
The latter question is designed to pre-empt a potential showdown with Alberta, which argues that the provinces should have a say in who can legally wed since they are responsible for the marriage procedure, including issuing licences.
Federal officials expect that the Supreme Court will give the provinces and interest groups, including religious institutions and gay-rights activists, the opportunity to advance their arguments in the case.
"We can't stop the government from doing what it's going to do ... but any opportunity we have to make our case we would definitely try to get involved in that," said Derek Rogusky, a spokesman for Focus on the Family, a member of a coalition that will hold a news conference today in Ottawa to assert its opposition to same-sex marriage.
The Supreme Court does not return from its summer break until early October, so the case would not be heard until fall at the earliest. It could then be several more months before the court issues a legal opinion.
There would then be a vote on the bill in the House of Commons, where MPs will be able to vote with their conscience rather than being told to follow the party line.
The last major reference to the Supreme Court, the 1998 case of whether Quebec could unilaterally separate from Canada, took two years from start to finish but it was mired in setbacks, including Quebec's refusal to participate.
"I don't think there would be the same level of complication here," said a government source.
One reason that the case could flow quickly through the Supreme Court is that the issue has been in lower courts in three provinces for years -- Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia -- and the rulings all favoured same-sex marriage thus far.
As well, Canadian courts have consistently recognized religious freedom, so legal analysts predict that the Supreme Court would not say that it is unconstitutional for religious institutions to refuse to marry gays and lesbians.
Justice Minister Martin Cauchon has said he would like same-sex marriage to become law by the time Prime Minister Jean Chr�tien leaves office next February.
Currently, only Ontario 'allows' gay weddings, despite Mr. Cauchon urging the other provinces to do the same while the matter winds its way through Parliament.
Copyright 2003 The Ottawa Citizen
Religious groups fight gay marriage
Faiths unite to attempt appeal of Ontario ruling in top court
Bob Harvey,
The Ottawa Citizen
Tuesday, July 08, 2003
A coalition of religious groups is going to the Supreme Court of Canada in hopes of reversing an Ontario court's re-definition of marriage to include same-sex couples.
The Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops, together with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, the Islamic Society of North America and the Catholic Civil Rights League, have asked the Supreme Court for leave to appeal the Ontario Court of Appeal's June 10 decision allowing gay and lesbian couples to obtain marriage licences.
The Ontario court ruled the traditional definition of marriage as the union of a man and a woman offends the dignity of same-sex couples and deprives them of the equal treatment guaranteed in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Similar decisions have also been handed down recently by courts in British Columbia and Queerbec, but those courts gave governments a year to implement the necessary changes.
Bruce Clemenger, the president of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, said it is questionable whether the equality section of the Charter was really intended to re-define social institutions such as marriage.
He told a press conference on Parliament Hill yesterday the coalition believes the Ontario court's decision is deeply flawed.
"We are dismayed that the Ontario Court of Appeal would declare that heterosexual marriage, an institution which has served humankind for millennia, is unconstitutional, discriminatory and, by implication, contrary to Canadian values," he said.
"No court in the world outside of Canada has ruled that the recognition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman violates human rights norms," said Mr. Clemenger. To date, only the governments of Belgium and the Netherlands have recognized the right of gays and lesbians to marry.
Philip Horgan, vice-president of the Catholic Civil Rights League, said the coalition wants the Supreme Court to re-examine the issue in a more complete manner than the review the Justice Department is expected to request later this week.
The Justice Department will ask the Supreme Court to vet a proposed bill expected to re-define marriage in accord with the Ontario Court of Appeal's re-definition of marriage as the union of "two persons."
In 1999, the House of Commons said it would take all necessary measures to preserve the historic common law definition of marriage as "the union of one man and woman to the exclusion of all others."
But after last month's decision by the Ontario Court of Appeal, [deputy]Prime Minister Jean Chr�tien announced he will draft a bill giving legal recognition to same-sex marriages throughout Canada.
Members of Parliament are expected to be given a free vote on the issue, without having to toe any party lines.
But now that the proposed bill is being referred to the Supreme Court, the vote is not expected to take place for several months.
Copyright 2003 The Ottawa Citizen
Priest loses licence for marrying gays
The Canadian Press
Thursday, August 28, 2003
HAMILTON - A local Anglican priest has had his licence to perform marriages revoked for marrying a same-sex couple.
Bishop Ralph Spence sent an e-mail this week to the 120 clergymen and women of Niagara Diocese informing them of the disciplinary action.
Mr. Spence said yesterday he has not decided when or if he will restore the licence of the clergyman, who was not named.
"I had all kinds of options," he said. "One was to pull the priest's licence and remove that priest altogether, but I didn't do that because I respect the individual and that individual's ministry."
The Canadian House of Bishops has a long-standing policy forbidding same-sex marriages within the church. Priests are expected to follow national policy.
Although unwilling to officially state his own position on the matter, Mr. Spence has successfully lobbied the House of Bishops to revisit the issue at a general synod meeting in Niagara Diocese next May.
"As I've said before, [same-sex marriage] is going to be a fact of life in Canada and the church is going to have to deal with that fact of life," Mr. Spence said.
Copyright 2003 National Post
Different aspects of marriage are covered by federal and provincial
statutes. Under section 91(26) of the Constitution Act, 1867,
Parliament regulates marriage and divorce, while the provincial
legislatures have jurisdiction over the formalization of marriage
under section 92(12). Federal regulation covers the "essential
validity" of marriage, while the provinces have jurisdiction
over "formal validity". "Essential validity" requires that the
parties proposed to be married have the legal capacity to marry (for
example, they are both of age, are mentally competent, are not
married to someone else, and are of the opposite sex), and that entry
into marriage is based on freedom of consent. Formal validity relates
to the requirements imposed by each province as to who may perform a
marriage ceremony and how and when marriage licenses may be obtained.
Essential Validity of Marriages
There is no legislated definition of "marriage," but a common-law
definition of marriage exists:
[M]arriage, as understood in Christendom, may for this purpose be
defined as the voluntary union for life of one man and one woman, to
the exclusion of all others. (Hyde v. Hyde and Woodmansee (1866),
L.R. 1 P. & D. 130.)
[S]ex is clearly an essential determinant of the relationship called
marriage, because it is and always has been recognized as the union
of man and woman. It is the institution on which the family is built,
and in which the capacity for natural heterosexual intercourse is an
essential element. It has, of course, many other characteristics, of
which companionship and mutual support is an important one, but the
characteristics which distinguish it from all other relationships can
only be met by two persons of opposite sex. (Corbett v. Corbett (orse
Ashley), [1970] 2 All E.R. 33, quoted with approval in North v.
Matheson (1974), 20 R.F.L. 112, at 116 (Man.Co.Ct.).
While there have been legal challenges to the traditional definition
of marriage on the basis that it excludes same-sex couples, two
recent Supreme Court of Canada decisions, Egan v. Canada (1995) and
Miron v. Trudel (1995), have affirmed that marriage is a heterosexual
union. While it could be legally defined otherwise, our heritage and
tradition have established marriage as the union of one man and one
woman.
Thus, the essential validity of marriage requires that partners be of
the opposite sex. In addition, each person must
. be able to have sex;
. not be related to the other (one is prohibited from marrying one's
grandparent, parent, sister, brother, child, or grandchild;
. not be currently married to someone else;
and
. have given free consent, have understood the nature of that
consent, and have not been forced into themarriage against his or her
will.
Marriage whith more than one spouse, called polygamy, is prohibited
in Canada under section 293 of the Criminal Code.
Who Can Perform a Valid Marriage?
There are two types of people who can perform a valid marriage. The
first is a person who is part of a religious organization who is
recognized by that religion as able to perform marriages and who is
licensed under the Marriage Act of the province or territory in which
he or she lives. This type of person performs religious weddings. The
second is a judge, justice of the peace, or marriage commissioner
registered under the Marriage Act. These people perform civil
marriages, often in city halls or courthouses.
Invalid Marriages
Sex-change operations do not change the legal sex of a person. That
is, if a man has a sex-change operation to become a woman, he is
still legally a man and cannot marry another man.
Marriages that are entered into solely for the purpose of gaining
immigration status are valid as long as the other formal requirements
for a valid marriage are met. The motive for marriage is irrelevant
to the validity of the marriage.
A marriage is also invalid if one partner is impotent and cannot
consummate the marriage. A marriage is consummated the first time the
couple engages in sexual intercourse after a marriage. Once the
marriage has been consummated, it cannot be annulled. If the
impotence pre-exists the marriage and the marriage cannot be
consummated, either partner can apply to the courts to have the
marriage annulled.
Copyright 1997, McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited
(ISBN 0-07-551784-1) Law - Canada
http://www.grantoninstitute.com
