Recently, our congregation received a request to provide Sanctuary for an Ethiopian refugee student unfairly facing deportation from Canada. A “Convention Refugee” as defined by the United Nations is as “an individual outside of his/her country of nationality, who has a well-founded fear of being persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, or membership of a particular social group of politicial opinion”.

Although the congregation could not provide immediate sanctuary at that time, a Task Force was assembled to determine how the congregation should respond to future requests for Sanctuary and provide recommendations to the congregation.

Following the Task Force Report, the congregation voted in favor of supporting the Sanctuary Project.

Nearly a third of those present filled out a volunteer form on the spot stating their willingness to assist with renovations, practical and legal assistance, fundraising and financial contributions. A Sanctuary Fund is now in place, a shower is installed, an appropriate living space has been created within the building.

For more information on the Sanctuary Project, please contact Margaret Rao This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .