Catholic parishes in the city are being urged by their bishop to open their hearts and doors to G-8 activists who have been scorned by other Calgary-area venues.
But authorities' demonization of the protesters has made many among the local Roman Catholic diocese and other Calgarians reluctant to welcome the demonstrators, Bishop Fred Henry said yesterday.
"In the public's perception, activists have been equated with anarchists ... unfortunately, it does look like there is some attempt to paint them in a negative light," said Henry.
"Who in the name of God wants to invite an anarchist."
But Henry said it's unfair to apply images of violent protests in Genoa and Seattle to those headed to Calgary determined to shine the light on genuine issues of economic disparity.
"That's not giving the people coming here a fair shake ... letting in people in favour of social justice and peace, that's a different thing," he said.
Henry said he hasn't ordered any of his parishes to roll out the welcome mat to activists, "but I'm advocating such a move," adding the matter is being addressed by the diocese's social justice commission.
If protesters are peaceful, then it's the obligation of churches and other Calgarians to offer hospitality, said Henry.
Parishes, he said, would house activists much the same way they cater to the homeless in the diocese's In From the Cold program. And he suggested the hundreds of millions expected to be expended on G-8 security would be better spent aiding the poor.
"I'd be willing to (guess) what's being spent on security concerns is not matching what (Canada) is spending on African relief missions," said Henry.
So far, only a handful of parishes, including St. Michael's at 4718 Worcester Dr. S.W., have offered to open their doors, said the bishop.
Parish administrator Paul Kennedy said up to 35 demonstrators will stay at the church hall overnight during the summit.
"They're coming through a registry at the University of Calgary and if there are any problems, we'll shut it down, but we don't expect any trouble," said Kennedy.
"They need places to stay and have a right to speak."
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