International law defines refugees as people who are unable or unwilling to return to their countries because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or because they belong to a particular social group. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports there are 89.3 million refugees and displaced people around the world. What international law does not describe is the sheer courage and hope characterizing most refugees, wherever they are.
The refugee ministry of PWS&D is a response to Christ’s call to serve and defend those who are vulnerable and persecuted.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada is an official Sponsorship Agreement Holder with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This enables Presbyterian congregations to sponsor refugees to resettle in Canada. PWS&D advocates for refugees through a number of Canadian refugee advocacy groups, including the Canadian Council for Refugees.
For the most up to date information, please join the PCC Refugee Sponsorship Facebook page.
For more information or if your church is interested in sponsoring a refugee,
contact the office by e-mail (sponsorship@presbyterian.ca) or phone (416-441-1111 or 800-619-7301 x251).