To the National Assembly of Church Witnessing with Migrants (CWWM) – Canada
From the IFI Toronto and IFI Canada
Message delivered by Fr. Dante Coloma IFI Toronto
June 26, 2026
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
On behalf of the faithful of IFI Toronto and IFI Canada, we extend our deepest greetings of solidarity and unwavering support to all delegates gathered for this National Assembly of Church Witnessing with Migrants.
Today, we affirm that migration is not merely an economic issue—it is a sacred human journey. Behind every migrant is a family longing for hope, a worker sacrificing for loved ones, and a child dreaming of a brighter future. Yet many migrants continue to suffer from exploitation, discrimination, racism, family separation, unjust labor conditions, and the denial of their fundamental human rights.
As followers of Christ, we cannot remain silent. The Church is called not only to welcome migrants but also to stand with them, defend their dignity, and challenge every system that creates poverty, displacement, and forced migration. Our faith compels us to transform compassion into action and prayers into prophetic witness.
As the Iglesia Filipina Independiente in Canada, we have witnessed the courage and resilience of Filipino migrants who have left their homeland in search of a better future. We honor their sacrifices and commit ourselves to building communities where every migrant is welcomed, protected, accompanied, and empowered.
We call upon churches, governments, and civil society to uphold justice, protect migrant workers’ rights, reunite separated families, and ensure that no migrant is treated as disposable or invisible. Every migrant bears the image of God and deserves dignity, respect, and equal opportunity.
May this National Assembly strengthen our collective commitment to become a Church that walks with migrants—not only in words but through concrete acts of solidarity, advocacy, and service. Together, let us proclaim that the Gospel knows no borders, that God’s love recognizes no nationality, and that the Kingdom of God embraces every people and every nation.
In solidarity, faith, and hope, let us continue our mission until every migrant finds not only a place to work, but a place to belong.
Mabuhay ang sambayanang migrante! Mabuhay ang Simbahang nakikiisa sa pakikibaka ng mga migrante!
Thank you, and may God bless us all. ###
Photo credits: Iglesia Filipina Independiente Greater Toronto Area
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