Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops - Canadian Faith Leaders to Canadian Political Leaders: Include Darfur at the Top of the International Policy Agenda

On 16 January, faith leaders in Canada sent a letter to the leaders of Canada’s political parties asking that Darfur be included at the top of the government’s international policy agenda. A letter of this kind, signed by the leaders of diverse faith traditions in Canada, indicates broad support for Canada’s robust involvement in international efforts to build peace in Sudan.

FAITH LEADERS’ LETTER ON DARFUR

The Right Honourable Paul Martin
Prime Minister of Canada
House of Commons,
Ottawa, Ontario
Fax: 613-941-6900
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Dear Prime Minister,

As representatives of various faith traditions in Canada, we commend the Government of Canada for the significant contributions made to support humanitarian and relief efforts in Darfur, Sudan and to assist the African Union Mission in Sudan in its efforts to provide security. People of faith in Canada have worked in solidarity with the people of Sudan for many years, developing long partnerships and collaboration.

Canadians are looking to our political leaders to continue taking steps, unilaterally, bilaterally and multilaterally, to protect communities under threat, boldly work with others to resolve the conflict, and restore peace and safety to the people of Darfur.

Therefore, as the crisis continues into a fourth year, we urge the government to include Darfur at the top of its international policy agenda, and take actions that would be effective in bringing peace and security to the people there. Thus we issue a call of deep concern to develop action to assist the suffering and vulnerable people in Darfur, Sudan.

Sincerely,

Ed Morgan
National President/Président national
Canadian Jewish Congress/Canadian Jewish Congress

Manjit Singh
President, Interfaith Council of Montreal
Trustee, Gurdwara Sahib Quebec, Montreal (Sikh House of Worship)

Robert J. Suderman,
General Secretary
Mennonite Church Canada

Mary Bennett
Executive Director
Canadian Unitarian Council

Swami Kripamayananda
Vedanta Hindu Society of Toronto

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Bellous
Executive Minister
Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec

+ André Gaumond
Archbishop of Sherbrooke
President
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

The Rev. F. Thomas Rutherford
Regional Minister
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada

Henry Hess
Acting Director of Canadian Ministries
Christian Reformed Church in North America - Canada

The Rev. Raymond Schultz
National Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto, (Canada)

Rev. M. Jean Morris
Moderator of the 131st General Assembly
The Presbyterian Church in Canada

The Rev. Siebrand Wilts
Stated Clerk
Regional Synod of Canada
Reformed Church in America

M. Christine MacMillan, Commissioner
Territorial Commander
The Salvation Army

His Eminence, Metropolitan John
Metropolitan
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

The Right Rev. Peter Short
Moderator
The United Church of Canada

c.c.: Mr. Stephen Harper
Conservative Party of Canada
Fax: (613) 947-0310
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Mr. Jack Layton
New Democratic Party
Fax: (613) 230-9950
jacklayton@ndp.ca

Mr. Gilles Duceppe
Bloc Québécois
Fax: (514) 843-2222
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For More Information Contact:
Sylvain Salvas
Director, Communications Service
Tel: (613) 241-9461
Fax: (613) 241-9048
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