On 22 May, the Canadian Council of Churches, whose 24 members include the episcopal conference of Canadian Catholic bishops, released a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the government of Canada to “respond robustly and generously to the pressures and tensions experienced by both displaced peoples and by the host countries in the [Middle East.] that provide refuge.” Signed by Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton and president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Ukrainian Greek Metropolitan Archbishop Lawrence Huculak, O.S.B.M., of Winnipeg, the letter spells out how Canada should “take a lead in the protection of human rights with special attention to the rights of children, women and minority groups; to hold firm to the obligation for all state and non-state actors to respect international law, particularly in situations of armed conflict; and to assist us in our efforts as churches to work with local peacemakers and providers of humanitarian assistance in the region.”
I invite you to read the letter and maybe you too can encourage our Canadian government — indeed all governments — to play a more humanitarian role and play a stronger role to build lasting peace. Be assured that CNEWA, through its offices and church networks in the Middle East, is very much present assisting the best way we can. To read the entire letter, click here.