For the past several years, the Diocese of Victoria has responded to numerous calls for help in the resettlement of refugees displaced by war or persecution. Through the persistence and tireless effort, many families have begun anew with fresh lives in Canada.
Refugee sponsorship is conducted through parishes. Your first point of contact should be your Parish Priest, and/or Parish Council. If your parish decides it has the means and resources to support this important humanitarian initiative by sponsoring a refugee family, they will work with the Diocesan Refugee Coordinator. Our Refugee Coordinator is in direct contact with the only locally based Sponsorship Agreement Holder, the Anglican Diocese of British Columbia, which holds an agreement with the Government of Canada to privately sponsor refugees for Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Through our lives and actions, we are invited to be living examples of the Good News, to extend the compassion of Christ to all to live fully the mission of the Church as the baptized of Christ.
We thank all who have sponsored families, for their perseverance and compassion in giving hope and solace to refugees settling in our Diocese. May the Holy Spirit guide your continued discernment and may our Blessed Mother inspire you with her motherly care for God's children.