The day after the class action lawsuit was filed accusing him of sexual assault, Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix “temporarily” withdraws from his ministry.
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This was confirmed by the Diocese of Quebec in a press release on Friday afternoon, adding that Mgr. Lacroix denies the allegations against him “which he considers to be unfounded.”
“The diocesan authorities will continue to advance the process of collective action, with respect for the truth and with a desire to provide reparations to survivors of sexual abuse,” it said.
In addition, the future of the charity event “At the Cardinal's Table” led by Mgr. Gérald Cyprien Lacroix is uncertain.
Donors are withdrawing
While some major donors say they are currently “analyzing the situation” regarding their next involvement in the fundraiser, others have decided to drop out entirely.
This is the case, among others, with the Fédération des caisses Desjardins and the Autobus Auger company.
“In light of the allegations against Mr. Lacroix, Autobus Auger has decided to withdraw from the “À la table du Cardinal” event. However, as we have done for more than 60 years, we will continue to engage in community with Quebec organizations whose mission inspires us,” says Michaël Grégoire, spokesman for the Lévis-based company.
The host distances himself
Former TVA Quebec news anchor Pierre Jobin, who hosted the charity evening for several years, reiterates that he will be absent from the event this year. “Out of an abundance of caution, I will pause the hosting of this event and wait for the conclusions of the ongoing court case,” he said when contacted by Le Journal.
Other contributors, including Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton and Canam Ponts, admitted they are considering their presence at the next Archbishop of Quebec Evening, scheduled for May 23.
In addition, Dessercom and the Lévis real estate company Imafa have confirmed the continuation of their financial support should the event take place.
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“Our partnership is already confirmed and we will not withdraw it due to these allegations. These are just accusations, we must not forget that,” explained the general director of Imafa Julie Doyon, who is also president of the organizing committee of the charity evening.
The Dessercom organization also confirmed its support for the cause. “We maintain our partnership for the simple reason that not a penny goes to the Catholic Church, but 100% goes to almost a hundred organizations in Quebec. We did not want to punish them because of these allegations,” said spokeswoman Émilie Bonneau.
Several other major Quebec business donors who contributed to the evening last year were contacted by Le Journal and declined to answer our questions.
“Shocked”
Still “in shock,” Ms. Doyon could not confirm whether the 10th presentation of À la table du Cardinal will take place this year. An organizing committee meeting is scheduled soon to decide the fate of the next charity evening, scheduled for March 23.
“We will investigate recent events and the impact on our event. It is still too early to make a decision,” says Ms. Doyon.
Organized by the Catholic Church of Quebec, the fundraiser helps more than 90 community organizations in the region each year. Last year, more than 650 people attended the charity event, which raised $300,000.
“It is sad”
In addition, Mayor Bruno Marchand responded to the allegations against Cardinal Lacroix on Friday on the sidelines of a carnival event in Quebec.
“I can’t comment on the facts. We will see. The legal process will take its course. It's sad for people… When the facts are proven, it's sad,” he said.
– In collaboration with Stéphanie Martin
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