LGBTQIA+ refugees urgently need church sponsors that can support their journey to a new and safe life.
The United Church acknowledges the role that religious-based homophobia and transphobia plays in the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTQIA+ people around the world. As a church, we are called to take action to ensure that all people—regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity—enjoy their full civil and human rights in society. The church is committed to working to end all forms of discrimination and to supporting the victims of discrimination.
One clear way we can do this is to support LGBTQIA+ refugee sponsorships. Please prayerfully consider sponsoring an LGBTQIA+ refugee.
Canada is one of only a few countries in the world with an LGBTQIA+ Refugee program, and the United Church is one of only three national faith groups that can sponsor LGBTQIA+ refugees. The church encourages communities of faith that are sponsoring a family to also sponsor one or more LGBTQIA+ refugees at the same time.
Sponsoring an LGBTQIA+ Refugee is the same process as regular refugee sponsorship—same process, same paperwork. However, the federal government offers increased financial support for LGBTQIA+ refugees (start-up costs plus three months’ support) that they don’t offer other refugees. Additionally, LGBTQIA+ cases can be expedited.
What You Can Do to Support LGBTQIA+ Refugees
- Sponsor an LGBTQIA+ person seeking refuge (see “How to Sponsor an LGBTQIA+ Refugee” under Downloads, below).
- Pray for LGBTQIA+ people around the world. You may wish to use the Pride Prayer, or this Prayer of Lament (for the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia).
- Raise awareness in your congregation and community about LGBTQIA+ refugees (see “Resources” below).
Resources
- FAQs about LGBTQIA+ Refugee Sponsorship (available under Downloads, below)
- Sponsor an LGBTQIA+ Refugee—this United Church video (also embedded above) features an introduction by former Moderator Gary Paterson and an interview with a sponsored LGBTQIA+ refugee
- Last Chance: National Film Board (link to free streaming)—a feature documentary that tells the stories of five asylum-seekers who fled their native countries to escape homophobic violence.
- LGBTQIA+ resources from Amnesty International (Canada)
- The United Church’s FAQs about Refugee Sponsorship
For more information on LGBTQIA+ Refugees Sponsorship, e-mail .
Downloads
- LGBTIQ2+ Refugee Sponsorship FAQs | United Church of Canada (32.64 KB) (PDF)
- How to Sponsor an LGBTIQ2+ Refugee | United Church of Canada (130.98 KB) (PDF)