Controversial Lac-Etchemin Religious Group Enters Municipal Election Race

A controversial religious group is making headlines as its members enter the municipal election race in Lac-Etchemin, a small community in Chaudière-Appalaches. They are vying for positions of mayor and city council, sparking concerns among experts regarding potential influences on local governance.

Lac-Etchemin’s Upcoming Municipal Elections

The citizens of Lac-Etchemin are scheduled to vote on November 2 to elect their next municipal council. This election features a new party, “Le Renouveau,” which includes four candidates associated with the controversial religious organization known as the Army of Mary.

Army of Mary: Background and Controversies

• Founded in 1971 by Marie-Paule Giguère, the Army of Mary aims to prepare for the end of the world.
• It gained approval from the Archbishop of Quebec shortly after its establishment.
• The Vatican excommunicated its members in 2007 due to practices and beliefs contradicting Catholic doctrine.
• The organization currently owns over 170,000 square meters of property in Lac-Etchemin, valued at over 20 million dollars.

Experts express unease with the candidates from Le Renouveau. Martin Geoffroy, a researcher on radicalization, warns of potential conflicts of interest if members of the Army of Mary secure positions in local government. He points out that their history of seeking to acquire more land raises serious questions about their intentions.

Community Reactions and Expert Opinions

Local leaders, including the former mayor Harold Gagnon, are cautious. Gagnon acknowledges previous conflicts involving property issues between the municipal government and the Army of Mary. He emphasizes the need to scrutinize the proposals from Le Renouveau before making any conclusions.

Alain Bouchard, director of the Center for Religious Research and Innovation at Laval University, speculates that the group’s municipal ambitions may signal tensions over real estate developments in Lac-Etchemin. Residents are left to wonder what implications these candidacies might hold for the future governance of their community.

Holding Local Elections Accountable

As the election date approaches, the implications of electing candidates linked to the Army of Mary remain a hot topic. Questions arise about how their beliefs could influence local policies and governance.

This situation highlights the ongoing need for community vigilance in local elections. Voters must consider the potential impact of religious affiliations on political decisions. As the electoral process unfolds, all eyes will be on Lac-Etchemin and the outcomes of its municipal election next month.