A woman displaced by conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo: Paul Jeffrey, ACT
More than 4.5 million Iraqi citizens have been uprooted from their homes since the Iraq conflict began in 2003. Fleeing violence and a constant threat to their lives, over 2 million have sought asylum in neighbouring countries. Some of those at most risk include religious minorities such as Christians, ethnic or sexual minorities, women and people with professions considered “un-Islamic.”
In March 2009, Citizen and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced that the Government of Canada would increase its resettlement targets for Iraqi refugees, providing an opportunity for private sponsorship and a chance for Iraqis to find freedom, security and new opportunities in Canada.
Now is your opportunity to step up and take part in the life-changing ministry of helping refugees being new lives in Canada. Refugee sponsorship is a tangible way for a congregation to take action and learn more about the challenges faced by people in another region of the world.
The goal is that three to five Presbyterian congregations will take on a refugee sponsorship with support from Presbyterian World Service & Development. PWS&D will help with planning and organizing, and may provide a small amount of funds to offset some of the costs. Congregations will take responsibility for one year of settlement support, including financial and material assistance, help with settlement and integration, plus moral support.
If you and your congregation would like to learn more about embracing the exciting challenge of welcoming a refugee to Canada, please contact PWS&D refugee coordinator Carolyn Vanderlip at cvanderlip[@]presbyterian.ca or call 1-800-619-7301 ext. 249.
Presbyterian World Service & Development is the development and relief agency of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Visit the PWS&D Facebook page.
