Hi All,


Separation of Church and State?  Then the Church should stay out of the
business of the state.


Canada - Reuters 

Canadian Refugee Process Flawed - Church Leaders

Wed Aug 4, 4:12 PM ET  

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian religious leaders squared off with the federal
government on Wednesday, saying that providing church sanctuary to refugees
facing deportation was sometimes necessary because the immigration system
is badly flawed.

"To suggest that refugees are somehow dangerous, that they are a
threat to security, foments an unacceptable prejudice against some of the
most vulnerable individuals in our society," said Tom Reilly, general
secretary of the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops. 

Leaders from religious groups were responding to what they say is a
negative image of refugees created by remarks made by Immigration Minister
Judy Sgro last week. 

Sgro said churches should stop providing sanctuary to people who are under
the threat of deportation. 

"It's a very difficult issue to deal with and, frankly, if we start
using the churches as the back door to enter Canada, we're going to have
huge problems," she said last week. 

"The protection of our country and of Canadians has to be the No. 1
concern. And people shouldn't be allowed to hide anywhere." 

Church leaders say there are no more than 12 cases of sanctuary in Canada
-- an ancient tradition that offers protection from the law within the
confines of the church buildings. Those receiving church protection are
facing deportation to their native countries, where, they say, they could
face torture or death. 

The church leaders say the problem is not with providing sanctuary, but
with Canada's refugee determination system. 

In a letter they are sending to Sgro, the leaders wrote: "Refugee
claimants' rights are put at risk by the government's failure to implement
the appeal process that Parliament approved." 

The religious leaders say Canada lacks a merit-based appeals process and
have asked the government to implement such a system. The leaders said they
are pleased that Sgro will meet with them to discuss the issue, though a
date has not been set. 

Rev. Peter Short, moderator of the United Church of Canada, noted that
living in sanctuary was not easy for the refugees, likening it to putting
your life into a state of suspended animation. But he said it was necessary
during an appeals process. 

"Sanctuary ... stops the process for a time, so that people can bring
forth the best sources of their wisdom, their strength, their justice and
their compassion," said Short. 

"It comes at great cost, because nobody wants life to be stopped. But
often, that is the step that is necessary if we're to take the next steps
that are right and true." 

Sgro's comments on sanctuary have sparked a nationwide controversy in
Canada. They came about five months after police raided a church in Quebec
City and arrested a 35-year-old Algerian man. He was handed over to
immigration officials and later deported. 

It is believed it was the first time Canadian authorities had entered a
church to arrest someone seeking sanctuary. 


From the desk of...


   Michael
... Anyone But Bush, America!


 + CrossPosted in: WHAT'S_HOT
 + CrossPosted in: CALGARY
 + CrossPosted in: CANACHAT
 + CrossPosted in: CANPOL
 + CrossPosted in: POL_DISORDER
--- Devil's Point System 6.66