Outspoken Calgary Bishop Emeritus Frederick Henry dies at 81

Calgary, Canada, Dec 9, 2024 / 15:50 pm

Known for his boldness in taking a stance on controversial issues, Bishop Emeritus Frederick Bernard Henry, who led the Diocese of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, from 1998 to 2017, died on Dec. 3 at Calgary’s Rockyview General Hospital. He was 81.

Throughout his career, Henry was unafraid to challenge mainstream narratives, often drawing national attention for his positions on topics such as same-sex marriage, euthanasia, gender identity, and residential schools. His episcopal motto, “Dabo Vobis Pastores” (“I will give you pastors”), reflected his dedication to shepherding the faithful while holding firmly to Catholic teachings.

Born in London, Ontario, on April 11, 1943, Henry was the eldest of five sons in the family of Leo and Noreen Bishop Henry. He entered St. Peter’s Seminary in London after high school and was ordained a priest on May 25, 1968, by Cardinal G. Emmett Carter.

Henry’s ministry combined academic achievement and pastoral leadership. He earned a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame in 1971 and a licentiate in theology from the Gregorian University in Rome in 1973. His academic career included roles as associate professor, dean, and rector at St. Peter’s Seminary before his episcopal appointment.

As bishop of Calgary, Henry tackled controversial issues. In 2007, he banned gambling-based fundraising in Catholic schools, prompting a transition to ethical funding practices that spread across Alberta. He defended religious freedom during contentious debates on same-sex marriage and faced a human rights complaint in 2005 after issuing a pastoral letter defending traditional marriage. In his letter, he articulated the Catholic Church’s teachings on marriage as a union between one man and one woman, emphasizing its sacramental nature and moral significance.

The letter was published in a newspaper, which led to complaints being filed with the Alberta Human Rights Commission, alleging that his statements constituted hate speech against the LGBTQ+ community. The complaints were dismissed after mediation.

Henry stood firm, using the opportunity to argue that defending Catholic doctrine should not be mischaracterized as hateful or discriminatory. He saw the complaints as an example of government overreach into religious freedom and the public expression of faith.

More recently, Henry’s skepticism regarding the unverified claims of mass graves at former residential schools made him a polarizing figure. He questioned the lack of evidence supporting the allegations and called for transparent investigations, saying: “No truth. No reconciliation.” Despite criticism, he maintained that seeking factual clarity was essential for justice and healing.

His willingness to engage with controversial topics extended to the public square. In a 2018 interview, Henry urged clergy not to shy away from tough questions about the Church’s role in society, including the sexual abuse crisis. “We ought to be talking to the press,” he said. “If they don’t like it, that’s OK. They can ask tough questions, but we’ve got the tough answers too.”

Henry resigned in 2017 due to severe chronic pain from an autoimmune disease that affected his spine, making movement increasingly difficult. In his resignation letter to Pope Francis, he wrote: “I believe that someone younger with more energy, stamina, and pastoral vision should take over.” He was replaced by Bishop William McGrattan.

Throughout his nearly two decades as bishop of Calgary, Henry remained committed to Catholic education, social justice, and evangelization. At the time of his retirement, Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller described him as “a hardworking, dedicated bishop who was never afraid to take a tough stand on a controversial issue.”

Henry’s funeral is being held Dec. 10 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary.

This story was first published by The B.C. Catholic and is reprinted with permission.