The review Relationships will remain frozen for at least another four months. Stopped dead in its tracks last March by its board of directors, the magazine, whose June issue was then supposed to be simply postponed until the fall, still has no announced publication date for its next edition. Nor a production or editorial team.
The general manager of RelationshipsIsabelle Lemelin, has recently left her post, according to the independent religious media Presence. Mme Lemelin also headed the Centre justice et foi (CJF), which oversees the magazine, and all of whose employees were laid off last March.
In an update dated September 20, the CJF Board of Directors announced that it was extending the “pause [des activités du Centre justice et foi]whose review Relationshipsfor an additional period of approximately 4 months”. The goal? To take “time to conduct a broad consultation and then finalize the plan” surrounding the restructuring and future of the CJF and RelationshipsThe consultation should be launched in the coming weeks and “involve team members”, according to the CA.
And the trust of readers?
Founded by the Jesuits, the CJF and Relationships are historically supported by the works of this religious order with a mission of social justice.
Since 1941, Relationshipsthe oldest of Quebec’s cultural magazines, engages in “committed solidarity criticism” by publishing political analyses, essays and a little creativity. The magazine had an excellent reputation. Relationships In 2023, it ranked second among the best-selling cultural magazines promoted by the Société de développement des époquets culturels québécois, SODEP.
Last July, still following a decision by the Board of Directors, the periodical suspended all subscriptions and reimbursed readers who wished to renew.
In its update, the Board of Directors emphasizes that in recent weeks it has become clear that “it is necessary to have more time to solidify the restructuring plan, but above all, to consult with the various stakeholders to better understand the role that the Society of Jesus should play in ensuring the future of the CJF.”