James Edward (Ed) Mullen, a long-time pro-life activist in Atlantic Canada, died on Sept. 11, at the age of 87.
Mullen was a husband and father of 10, active in his church, Catholic charities, and the pro-life movement. From 2018 until May this year, he served as president of Campaign Life Coalition Nova Scotia.
In an email to supporters, Herm Wills, the founding and former president of CLC Nova Scotia, said, “Ed was well known for his solid stand for the protection of mothers and their babies, in and out of the womb.” Wills continued: “For years (Mullen) has been involved, long before my time, back around 1985 or thereabouts.” In fact, Mullen’s pro-life activism began in 1975 – before Campaign Life Coalition existed, although he was present at CLC’s founding.
Wills remembered Ed as a man that gave sound advice at board meetings and who always made himself available. “He was always there,” said Wills.
In 2004, prior to the federal election, Mullen wrote an open letter to then Halifax Bishop Terrence Prendergast and the clergy urging Catholic leaders to provide “stronger leadership” during elections. Mullen said, “Canadian Catholics must start selecting politicians who will present legislation and vote to protect life at all stages,” and “Catholic voters must be told by their bishops and priests about their role in protecting life, in no uncertain terms.” Mullen condemned the Catholic leadership’s silence on the duty of Catholics to vote for pro-life candidates, refusal to challenge pro-abortion Catholic politicians, and otherwise defend preborn children.
As CLC Nova Scotia president, Mullen, then 86, opened a new CLC office in Bedford, N.S., in 2023. Later that same year he raised funds for ultrasound machines for the Open Door Centre for Women in Halifax, Dartmouth, and Kentville. He said in a newsletter, “Our intent is to serve moms better by giving them a copy of the baby-in-utero video on their smartphone to show family or friends, and helping them make a good decision.”
“Ed was extremely dedicated, even near the end, to saving the lives of unborn children from abortion,” said CLC national president Jeff Gunnarson. “I am grateful for his years of service to the pro-life cause. He will be sorely missed.
Mullen died peacefully at home in Waverley, N.S. surrounded by his family.
Mullen is survived by his wife of 66 years, Pauline, his ten children (Loretta, Mary, Monique, Sarah, Vincent, James, Kevin, Timothy, Paul, Stephen), 34 grandchildren, and 35 great-grandchildren. His grandson, Fr. Lucas Casta, celebrated the funeral Mass.
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