Canada has to thank newcomers for all the ways in which they energise the Canadian population and economic landscapes with their colours, foods, business-know-how and also for their spiritual enthusiasm.Many newcomers find solace in churches, mosques and temples which hitherto were threatened with closure to make way for more purposeful use.
Newcomers not only find community in Churches but the Church appears to be a place where many needs and wants are fulfilled and appears to make it a big part of their lives. Belief in God is stronger among newcomers than Canadian born or people who have lived here a long time.
According to recent research the Presbyterian Church is a champion of sponsoring refugees and it has sponsored a significant number of the more than 200,000 refugees who came to this country over the past 25 years. These refugees later become members of the Church and help to keep many church doors open. Church sponsorship has been eclipsed for the time being as the federal government attempts to deal with the backlog of applications. However for now newcomers interest in matters of the spirit will keep their doors open for some time to come.
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