New York, December 1, 2014 - The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) applauds the legislatures of Canada and Ireland for their historic passage of laws that respectively target the demand for prostitution or buyers of sex, and decriminalize prostituted individuals. They follow in the footsteps of Sweden, Norway and Iceland, which passed a set of laws, known as the "Nordic Model,” that penalizes the purchase of sex, exempts prostituted individuals from punishment and recognizes prostitution as a cause and consequence of gender violence and discrimination.

In the reading from Isaiah, Israel hungrily awaits a Messiah. In words of comfort and tenderness, the great prophet tells Jerusalem that in spite of “her sins,” or maybe even because of them, God is coming in glory and will rule with power and a “strong arm,” with reward and recompense. The valleys will be filled, the mountains made low, the rough terrain made plain and he will care for his people. And tell your friends!

Certainly, in the historical context, Israel was looking for muscle, and not necessarily a Prince of Peace. So the fact that a strong and powerful God was coming to move mountains and to make the playing field even was not just good news, but great news; but, as it turns out, not the best way to manage expectations. It is no wonder that it was difficult for Jews to believe that a carpenter’s son from Nazareth, with a message of peace and love, was the tremendous ground force that was foretold by the prophet Isaiah.

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Visitation East Coordinators have decided to recognize the following years for long time Associate Commitment (15, 20, 25, 30 and soon 35 years). So each year, those who have these anniversaries will be acknowledged. We want to offer Congratulations and thank the following Associates for their many years of Commitment to the CND Associate Relationship. In 2014, those with 30 years of Commitment are: Emma Avery of Larry’s River, NS; Edith Corbett of Fredericton, NB; Teresa Doiron of Halifax, NS; Martha Kennedy of Truro, NS. Anne Reynolds of Sydney, NS, has 25 years of Commitment. Twenty year recipients are: Theresa Dickson of Halifax, NS., and Josie Ritcey of Halifax, NS. Six Associates with 15 years of Commitment are from Summerside, PEI. They include: Irving and Lillian Arsenault, Doris Gerrard, Dorothy Hamill, M. Ann MacLellan, and Aldona O’Brien-Jollimore. Simone Cormier of Riverview, NB, also has 15 years of Commitment.