Bill Phipps - The Frederick Henry Controversy

The Frederick Henry Controversy

Phipps was in the news again on April 1, 2005, when he was quoted in the Calgary Herald sharply attacking the Roman Catholic Bishop of Calgary, Frederick Henry. The occasion was the laying of two human rights complaints against the bishop for reaffirming the traditional Catholic teaching on homosexuality in a letter to the Catholics of his diocese. There was some objection to the strength of Henry's statements.

Phipps was quoted as saying the following:

  • "He portrays himself as a victim. Well, please."
  • "Why are we focusing on one bishop who loves the spotlight?"
  • "This is about a group who have been maligned, who have been beaten up physically, mentally and spiritually."

Phipps' views contrasted with those of the Alberta Civil Liberties Association, and conservative Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Mormon leaders who saw the issue as one of religious freedom.

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