Welcoming Refugees: A Longstanding CRCNA Tradition

In recent times, conversations about immigration and refugees have become more prominent in both Canada and the United States. Yet for many churches in the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), working in these areas is nothing new. Supporting refugees and immigrants is a tradition that has spanned decades in our denomination, with congregations in both the U.S. and Canada deeply committed to walking alongside refugee and immigrant families as they build new lives in North America.

As I listened to and reflected on three recent blog posts and podcast episodes on this topic, three key ideas stood out to me—three reminders of why this work matters and how we can continue to engage thoughtfully and compassionately.

In preparing for this post, I engaged with resources from Do Justice. Particularly informative for this topic are podcast episodes from Dena Nicola, a chaplain and justice mobilizer in British Columbia; another with  CRCNA member Bev Stephenson, who volunteers in refugee resettlement in Michigan; and another with Jenny Yang, an American immigration policy advocate with World Relief. Continue reading for what I found to be the most informative takeaways – although I highly recommend listening to the podcast episodes in full, as well.

1. A Deep-Rooted Commitment to Refugees

One of the most striking things I was reminded of is that CRCNA churches have been involved in refugee resettlement for a long time. World Renew first began supporting refugees from Cuba in the U.S. in the 1960s. In Canada, World Renew has been part of the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program since its inception in 1979. It's clear that supporting refugees isn’t a new trend or a response to recent global events. For decades, churches in both the U.S. and Canada have been welcoming refugee families, providing support, and building relationships that extend far beyond initial resettlement. This commitment has shaped communities, strengthened congregations, and reflected a lived-out faith that prioritizes hospitality and care for the vulnerable.

2. Misconceptions About Refugees

Another key takeaway is the widespread misunderstanding many people have about refugees. Too often, those of us born in the U.S. and Canada assume that refugees want to leave their home countries when, in reality, most would prefer to stay in their home cultures if they could do so safely. The decision to leave is one of last resort, driven by conflict, persecution, or instability. Even after resettlement, not every refugee wants to remain in places like cold and snowy Ontario or Michigan. Many work hard to relocate with the U.S. or Canada to somewhere warmer, sunnier, or closer to family. Recognizing these realities helps us move beyond stereotypes and engage with refugee experiences in a more informed and compassionate way.

3. The Power of Listening and Learning

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, these stories reinforced the importance of listening. We have so much to learn from people from different places—their resilience, their perspectives, their faith. When we take the time to listen instead of assuming, we open the door to deeper relationships, greater understanding, and a more authentic expression of the community of Christ we all flourish in together, on both sides of the national border in our denomination and with people from every nation on the globe.

These three themes—our long history of welcoming refugees, the need to challenge misconceptions, and the value of listening—are important reminders of why this work matters. As churches continue to support and walk alongside refugee families, my hope is that we remain committed not only to offering help but also to learning, growing, and building relationships that transform us all.

Looking for more resources? Check out all the resources at Do Justice! You can also check out the Thrive Refugee Justice homepage, which has a wealth of resources. I’ll also add some helpful additional Network posts in the comment section. And please – if you have any stories or advice to share, add your comments below!