Over 100 years, United Church ministers, laypeople, volunteers, and congregations have stepped forward in faith to make welcome real.
This year marks 100 years of The United Church of Canada—a century of faithful witness, compassion, and justice. While the church has been living out God’s call in many ways since 1925, it was in 1979—46 years ago—that The United Church of Canada became a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH), stepping into a new and urgent calling: welcoming refugees seeking safety, peace, and a chance to rebuild their lives.
Since then, communities of faith from coast to coast have risen to that call. Congregations have filled out forms, raised funds, prepared homes, met families at airports, and—most importantly—opened their hearts. Through it all, Canada has remained a country that welcomes, and the United Church has remained committed to walking alongside the displaced, the persecuted, and the hopeful.
Donna Nelson, a United Church member in Regina, Saskatchewan, expressed it beautifully: “Refugees bring a richness to our city and this community—our newcomers are so grateful to feel safety and peace for the first time in years. We believe that it is our Christian imperative to share ourselves and our resources with refugees, and by doing so we are helping to bring about a more just society and world.”
Whitehorse United Church Refugee Settlement Committee reflected on their long journey in refugee sponsorship: “Refugee sponsorship creates lifelong relationships that enrich the lives of both the sponsors and those they have welcomed.”
This ministry of welcome is not just an act of kindness—it is a faithful response to God’s command, as we read in Deuteronomy 10:19: "You shall love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt," and in Matthew 25:35: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me."
That sense of joyful responsibility has been echoed across the country. Marjorie and Cliff Martin from Trinity United Church in London, Ontario shared how rewarding it has been to witness the journey of a family they supported: "Watching the three children in our refugee family thrive in their new educational settings and joyfully preparing themselves for a productive future is a privilege and a source of deep gratitude for our supporting congregation."
Another beautiful story comes from United for Refugee Families Group: “We have learned that enabling refugees to come, settle, and hopefully find happiness for their families in Canada is not only among the most beneficial, but also one of the most rewarding things that our communities of faith and church leaders can do to fulfill our United Church mission of sharing what we have with those in need.”
In 2016, one community welcomed a talented refugee who has since built a new life—and a thriving barbershop—in the city. He’s no longer just a newcomer; he’s become part of the fabric of Halifax. One member shared, “Mr. J is the only person who’s cut my hair since he arrived.”
Some stories span many years and milestones. Christine Hughes shared, "I was part of a group of three United Churches that helped to sponsor a husband and wife from Syria in 2016. I’ve enjoyed staying connected with them and watching their life evolve—they became Canadian citizens, welcomed three children, got jobs, bought a home, and their kids are excelling in school and sports."
One experience common to all is that welcoming someone new into your life and community changes you. Sarah Poirier from Sackville United Church in Nova Scotia shared how welcoming a refugee transformed their community: “Preparing to be a welcoming presence for a refugee person was an ongoing process of opening our hearts and doing our best thinking. The experience enlivened our congregation.”
One member shared, “I notice everyday things in our Western context in a new way.” Another said, “I learned to let go of expectations and just enjoy getting to know Rose—the refugee we sponsored years ago.”
Rose is now a Canadian citizen. She thanks the church for the help, but over and over again, and above all, she gives thanks to God. She reminds her sponsors that it is God working through us which enabled her to come to Canada to live her best life.
These stories—these lives—from coast to coast to coast remind us that refugee sponsorship isn’t about saving people. It’s about walking with them, learning from them, and growing together. It’s about community. It’s about faith. And it’s about God’s dream for a world where peace, justice, and welcome are for all.
As we celebrate 100 years of The United Church of Canada, we give thanks—for every sponsor, every prayer, every act of generosity, and every life that has been touched through the ministry of refugee sponsorship. Over the past century, hundreds upon hundreds of quiet heroes—ministers, laypeople, committees, volunteers, groups, and congregations—have stepped forward in faith to make welcome real. Their love, courage, and commitment have transformed lives and communities across Canada.
Here’s to the next 100 years of faith. May we continue to be a church that opens its doors, stretches its arms, and lives out Christ’s call to love boldly.
—Mimi Al-Nahhas works with The United Church of Canada, where she serves as Refugee Sponsorship Program Support.
The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.