The Honourable Ahmed D. Hussen
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
365 Laurier Ave W
Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Dear Minister Hussen,
On behalf of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), I wish to congratulate you on your recent appointment as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. We are praying for you and your staff as you lead Canada’s response to those in migration and those who need a place of safety from tyranny, oppression and violence.
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada is the national association of evangelical Christians whose affiliates include denominations, ministry organizations and institutions of higher education, as well as local congregations. For more than 50 years, the EFC has been engaging positively and constructively, bringing biblical principles to bear in Canadian culture and in the public square.
Last spring, 14 of the EFC’s affiliated evangelical denominational leaders (representing some 4,000 local churches) committed together to engage their congregations in offering refuge and welcome to those fleeing violence and conflict in their home lands. Over the last two years, Canadian Evangelicals have been especially active in refugee sponsorship, particularly sponsorship of those displaced because of the Syrian crisis. Many of our affiliated denominations use their own Sponsorship Agreement Holders, and together with their members, work hard to bring our new neighbours to Canada.
To date, these congregations have welcomed 2,560 Syrian refugees to communities across Canada, and already have 957 applications in process for 2017. This represents 3,517 possible newcomers to Canada, with potential for many more.
The evangelical community stands with you in a common desire for Canada to be a place of welcome and peace for those fleeing conflict, and remains committed to assisting displaced and vulnerable refugees.
We look forward to an ongoing working relationship with the government, and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how the evangelical community can, alongside other faith communities, continue to partner effectively with you for the good of all Canadians.
Please be assured of our prayers for you as you give leadership to this critical portfolio.
Sincerely,
Julia Beazley
Director, Public Policy