Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, and Bishop Susan Johnson, National Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, released their annual joint Christmas message, focusing this year on the refugee crisis, beginning with the story of Jesus and the innkeeper who provided Mary and Joseph with a warm and safe place to stay.
Bishop Johnson referenced the Reformation Challenge adopted this past summer in advance of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation (2017), encouraging listeners to support it or similar efforts with year-end giving. The challenge includes in its goals the sponsoring of 500 refugees to Canada over the next two years.
Bishop Hilz:
As we know within weeks of his birth, Jesus became a refugee. Mary and Joseph were fleeing from the tyranny of Herod.
As we celebrate his birth , we are mindful, so mindful this year of the migrant refugee crisis and our need in his name to respond, to open our hearts and our country to those seeking refuge among us.