Preface to the second edition

• Author: M.H. Ogilvie
• Pages: 19-20

xix

PREFACE

To the Second Edition

Re-reading the preface to the f‌irst edition of this book, I f‌ind that my

remarks there remain apposite for this second edition, notwithstand-

ing the remarkable proliferation of jurisprudence relating to religious

institutions and the civil law in Canada in the intervening six years.

Media reports on a dai ly basis record numerous interactions of religion,

religious institutions, and the law in relation to almost every conceiv-

able human activity. Indeed, impressions suggest their acceleration in

volume, intensity, and signif‌icance for the future of civil society and

liberal democracy in Canada. Recounting the law may, at least, remind

us of where we have been but not necessarily of where, as a society, we

may be going.

The law is stated to 31 December 2001, but later amendments have

been made where possible.

In addition to reasserting the gratitude expressed in the preface

to the f‌irst edition to those who assisted in the production of that edi-

tion, I want to express my gratitude to those who have assisted in this

second edition. I acknowledge the kindness of the following who pro-

vided new information for chapter 3: the Rev. Debra Dempsey, Pastor,

First Baptist Church, Ottawa, and Mr. Fred Neal, the Anglican Diocese

of Ottawa Archives.

I wish to thank Carswell, the publisher of the f‌irst edition, for its

original foresight in publishing a volume on this topic, but especially

for its gracious reassignment to me of the copyright to that volume so

that it might be published beyond the legal community. I am especia lly