Leaders of the Canadian Council of Churches and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada joined with 27 leaders of Christian denominations and ministries as signatories to an open letter to Canada’s federal politicians calling for the preservation and strengthening of Canada’s global aid commitments.
The initiative was led by Kentro Christian Network (‘the connection point for all Canadian Christian relief and development organizations’) and KAIROS Canada (‘a joint venture ecumenical program administered by the United Church of Canada’).
To: leaders of Liberal Party of Canada, Conservative Party of Canada, New Democratic Party of Canada, Green Party of Canada, Bloc Quebecois
As faith leaders from across Canada, we write to you with both urgency and hope. In these times of polarization and uncertainty, we believe Canada has a unique opportunity to reaffirm its role as a global leader in compassion and justice. Our shared values as Canadians – and our faith’s call to care for our neighbours – compel us to advocate and provide financial resources for those who are most vulnerable, wherever they may be, as a key part of Canada’s leadership in the world.
Canada may see leadership changes in the coming months, and new leaders may want to review government priorities and spending. While this is understandable, we ask that Canada’s leaders remain true to Canada’s values. Canadians help those in need. Canadians stand for peace, generosity and justice. Canadians are committed to the dignity of all people.
These values are woven into our national identity. They also resonate with the teachings of our faith as Christians, and with the teachings of many other faiths and spiritual identities in Canada. Just as we care for the well-being and thriving of all peoples and nations in Canada, we care for the well-being and thriving of all people around the world. Scripture reminds us that “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
In a world facing crises of war, economic instability and rising inequality, Canada has an opportunity to be a voice of reason, justice, and hope. As the world turns increasingly inward, we must resist the temptation of isolationism and instead be guided by a vision that transcends borders – one that affirms the equal dignity of all people and recognizes that our collective well-being is bound together.
Canada’s national identity compels it to stand for something greater. As faith leaders, we believe we are all called to be known not merely for what we are against, but for the hope, generosity and reconciliation we bring into the world.
We are a nation blessed with much. A strong international assistance program reflects our values and enhances our nation’s reputation as a force for compassion and justice. We believe we are called to be good stewards of all that God has provided us with, and it is within our ability to care for needs here at home while simultaneously promoting policies and providing resources to care for neighbours around the world.
In a time where division often captures headlines, let us instead be united in our resolve to bring hope and opportunity to those in desperate need both at home and around the world. As faith leaders, we stand ready to support and pray for our elected officials, encouraging leadership that reflects sacred values and Canadian values.
Thank you for your leadership and service to our country. We trust that Canada will continue to be an example of hope and compassion in the world.
Along with growing interest to ‘buy Canadian,’ let us also remember to be Canadian!
Signatories
Rev. Amanda Currie
President
The Canadian Council of Churches
David Guretzki
President and CEO
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
Albert Postma
Executive Director
Christian Reformed Church in North America
Rev. J.M. Collins
National Director
Church of the Nazarene Canada
The Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls
Moderator of the General Assembly
The Presbyterian Church in Canada
Rev. Dr. Stephen Elliot
National Superintendent
The Wesleyan Church of Canada
Ray Narula
General Superintendent
Canadian Assemblies of God
Robert Peterson
Interim President
Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada
Major Rick Zelinksky
Territorial Director of Public Affairs
The Salvation Army
Rev. Susan C. Johnson
National Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada
Rev. Wesley Mills
President
Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada
The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Landsdowne
Moderator
The United Church of Canada
Michael Blair
General Secretary
The United Church of Canada
Rev. Douglas Klassen
Executive Minister
Mennonite Church Canada
David R Wells
General Superintendent
Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
Anne Germond
The Most Rev.
Anglican Church of Canada
Rev. Charles Mashinter
Executive Director
The Be In Christ Church of Canada
Cam Stewart
National Director
Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches
Lawrence Huculak
Metropolitan Archbishop of Winnipeg
Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada
Trevor Scott
Executive Director
Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice
Mariz El Rashidy
Coptic Orthodox Church
Bishop Mina
Bishop Coptic Orthodox
Dioceses of Mississauga, Vancouver and Western Canada
Rev. Leanne Friesen
Executive Minister
Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec
Rev. Rob Ogilvie
Executive Minister
Canadian Baptists of Western Canada
Rev. Renee MacVicar
Executive Minister
Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada
Joel Zantingh
Canadian Coordinator
WEA Peace and Reconciliation Network
Ro Fife
Clerk
Canadian Friends Service Committee
Martha Laing
Member of Clerks Table
Canadian Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends
Jose Mark John Jamili
Most Rev. Bishop
Apostolic Catholic Church of Canada
Complementary initiatives
Jubilee 2025
KAIROS Canada is also leading a Jubilee 2025: Turn Debt into Hope campaign, which is . . .
. . . mobilizing communities of faith and conscience to demand:
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- Debt cancellation for unjust and unsustainable debts.
- Global financial reform to prevent future crises.
- A debt resolution framework within the United Nations that is transparent, binding and fair.
- Participants Assembly
On April 24, the Participants’ Assembly will address the topic ‘Engaged Citizenship: The Role of Faith Communities During an Election.’ It will be a unique moment to enhance interfaith co-operation and advocate for religion in a pluralistic society. The Assembly is sponsored by the Canadian Interfaith Conversation which gathers representatives of over 60 faith-based organizations that contribute positively to the benefit of all in Canadian society.
Among the key speakers is Julia Beazley, Director of Public Policy for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), and of the EFC’s Centre for Faith and Public Life, in Ottawa.
- Playing nice
Janet Epp Buckingham, a Canadian who is director of the World Evangelical Alliance’s Geneva Office to the United Nations. wrote an article April 7: ‘Playing nice even when others don’t,’ reminding us that “the rise in political and church conflicts globally makes responding graciously even more important for Christians.”