As we pay attention to refugees this month, may we be mindful to welcome and respect all people, especially those that are different from us.
"Welcoming the stranger, (the 'immigrant,' we could say today) is the most often repeated commandment in the Hebrew scriptures, with the exception of the imperative to worship only the one God. And the love of neighbor (especially the more vulnerable neighbor), is doubtlessly the new testament's constant command …. whatever the cause of immigration today, there can be no doubt as to where the church must stand when it comes to defending the immigrant." Theologian Orlando O. Espin
"When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 19:33-34
World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day is a UN-appointed day that aims to honour the courage and determination of those who have been forced to abandon their homes and flee persecution and conflict. As a church, we will recognize World Refugee Sunday in our June 28 online services. At Tenth, we walk alongside dozens of refugees who have left the turmoil of their home countries to live in peace in Canada.
With God, for others,
Patrick