It was with surprise and sadness that we learned of the closing of Catholic New Times last month. For 30 years the bi-weekly publication was a prophetic voice, and beacon of hope for many readers.
In the final edition, editor Diane Bisson explained that any analysis of the closure "will need to be saved for another day when I have some distance from the disappointment I feel seeing a paper, which I hold so precious, come to what, in my view, is a premature end."
According to the publishing group of Catholic New Times it was declining subscriptions, advertising, and donations that were responsible for the paper closing down.
Predictably there were reports in the mainstream news media that looked for more sensational reasons behind the closing. A Toronto Star article exclaimed that: "A dissenting voice in Catholicism for 30 years is ceasing publication as a riding tide of conservatism envelops the Church." For those who follow the Church closely, the analysis was appallingly simple.
For over 30 years Catholic New Times courageously articulated Catholic social teaching that's not always well known or easily received. They also produced a lively arts and culture section with reviews that attempted to read "the signs of the times."
Some reports suggest another publication will be born to take the place of Catholic New Times. But for now we mourn the loss of a publication that included a wide diversity of views and an independent energy.
Although Catholic New Times has closed, the spirit that launched the paper must continue. We look forward to that spirit enlivening new projects in the future.
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