February 2025 — In recent months, the issue of immigration has risen to the forefront of the national conversation in Canada and the United States. Many of World Renew’s supporting individuals and church congregations are made up of immigrants and have a long history of welcoming and supporting immigrants and refugees. However, some of our brothers and sisters in Christ have expressed concerns about the changing immigration policies and national conversation around immigration.
In the United States, programs have been cancelled, couples are afraid to attend church together, and some face deportation due to changes in immigration policies. Some individuals have reported facing increased suspicion, arrests, and detainment. In Canada, immigration numbers have been reduced, negatively impacting opportunities for Canadians to provide protection and safety to refugees fleeing war and persecution. In addition, some refugee sponsorship streams are experiencing increasing wait times or have been paused altogether, and organizations that support refugees and newcomers are experiencing funding cuts.
World Renew offers the following as a reminder of our positions on immigration and migration.
Recognizing that we are all outsiders who have been grafted into God’s elect people by his unmerited grace (Romans 9:6-29; 11:17-21), we believe that God calls us to show the same love and welcome to migrants, refugees, and immigrants in our countries and communities.
World Renew is committed to addressing the root causes of migration and immigration by working to alleviate conditions such as poverty, conflict, and natural disasters that force people to leave their homes. Through our programs and partnerships, we strive to create sustainable communities where people can thrive.
We also want to highlight the strong work that World Renew does in Canada to help resettle refugees. Through the dedication and compassion of our supporting churches and Christians, many refugees have found safety, new homes, and hope for the future. The positive and impactful role that our supporting congregations have played in this effort is a testament to our commitment to living out our faith through acts of love and service.
The Lord our God loves and defends the cause of the orphans, the widows, and immigrants (Deuteronomy 10:17-20). We know that the church of Christ is “not confined, bound, or limited to a certain place or certain persons…but it is spread and dispersed throughout the entire world…” (Belgic Confession Art. 27). Together we look forward to the day when God’s holy people from every nation, tribe, and language will worship before Christ’s throne (Rev. 7:9). We invite churches and individuals to join us in prayer and support for those who are affected by these recent policy changes.
February 2025 — In recent months, the issue of immigration has risen to the forefront of the national conversation in Canada and the United States. Many of World Renew’s supporting individuals and church congregations are made up of immigrants and have a long history of welcoming and supporting immigrants and refugees. However, some of our brothers and sisters in Christ have expressed concerns about the changing immigration policies and national conversation around immigration.
In the United States, programs have been cancelled, couples are afraid to attend church together, and some face deportation due to changes in immigration policies. Some individuals have reported facing increased suspicion, arrests, and detainment. In Canada, immigration numbers have been reduced, negatively impacting opportunities for Canadians to provide protection and safety to refugees fleeing war and persecution. In addition, some refugee sponsorship streams are experiencing increasing wait times or have been paused altogether, and organizations that support refugees and newcomers are experiencing funding cuts.
World Renew offers the following as a reminder of our positions on immigration and migration.
Recognizing that we are all outsiders who have been grafted into God’s elect people by his unmerited grace (Romans 9:6-29; 11:17-21), we believe that God calls us to show the same love and welcome to migrants, refugees, and immigrants in our countries and communities.
World Renew is committed to addressing the root causes of migration and immigration by working to alleviate conditions such as poverty, conflict, and natural disasters that force people to leave their homes. Through our programs and partnerships, we strive to create sustainable communities where people can thrive.
We also want to highlight the strong work that World Renew does in Canada to help resettle refugees. Through the dedication and compassion of our supporting churches and Christians, many refugees have found safety, new homes, and hope for the future. The positive and impactful role that our supporting congregations have played in this effort is a testament to our commitment to living out our faith through acts of love and service.
The Lord our God loves and defends the cause of the orphans, the widows, and immigrants (Deuteronomy 10:17-20). We know that the church of Christ is “not confined, bound, or limited to a certain place or certain persons…but it is spread and dispersed throughout the entire world…” (Belgic Confession Art. 27). Together we look forward to the day when God’s holy people from every nation, tribe, and language will worship before Christ’s throne (Rev. 7:9). We invite churches and individuals to join us in prayer and support for those who are affected by these recent policy changes.
