wfn.org | United Church Moderator Offers Condolences on the Death of Pope John

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Paul II

For Immediate Release -- Saturday, April 2, 2005

United Church Moderator Offers Condolences on the Death of Pope John Paul II

Toronto:	The Right Rev. Dr. Peter Short, Moderator of The United
Church of Canada, today expressed condolences to the Canadian Conference
of Catholic Bishops on the news of the death of Pope John Paul II.

"The United Church of Canada shares with sisters and brothers of faith
in the worldwide Roman Catholic community a deep sense of loss in the
passing of John Paul II. He presided through a critical period of world
history with a deep spirituality evidenced in his remarkable pastoral
concern for the world's suffering. He overcame historic barriers between
communities of faith and led the world to new understandings of
relationship between Christians, Muslims, and Jews. He inspired people
of faith with his courage and strength in illness and in death. We offer
our sincere prayers for the Roman Catholic family, as they grieve the
loss of their beloved Pope. We celebrate his remarkable contributions
and his faithful witness to the grace and love of God known in Jesus
Christ."

For further information, please contact:
Mary-Frances Denis
Communications Officer
The United Church of Canada
416-231-7680 ext. 2016 (office)

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