Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller has called for compassion for Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers who have landed in British Columbia. Archbishop Miller says now is the time to remember the fundamental dignity of each human person, News 1130 reports.
He stresses the men, women and children must not become “scapegoats” in immigration debates.
He says while responsible governments need to find out the identities of newcomers so as not to open a door to a potential security risk, the Catholic Church maintains people who are victims of armed conflicts must be recognized as refugees and offered international protection.
The archbishop says Canada has a solid reputation as a nation of immigrants and refugees and a long of history of welcoming people seeking a haven from injustice.
However, Canadian polls suggest a majority of respondents support sending the migrants back to Sri Lanka.
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