Moderator urges continued relief to Darfur.

REV. M. JEAN MORRIS, moderator of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, along with 15 other Canadian faith leaders, recently commended the Government of Canada for the significant contributions made to support humanitarian and relief efforts in Darfur, Sudan, and to assist the African Union Mission in Sudan in its efforts to provide security.

Addressed to the prime minister, the letter was issued through the Canadian Council of Churches on Jan. 17, and stated that "people of faith in Canada have worked in solidarity with the people of Sudan for many years, developing long partnerships and collaboration.

"Canadians are looking to our political leaders to continue taking steps, unilaterally, bilaterally and multilaterally, to protect communities under threat, boldly work with others to resolve the conflict, and restore peace and safety to the people of Darfur."

The ecumenical leaders, representing Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, Orthodox, Sikh and Hindu traditions, said, "as the crisis continues into a fourth year, we urge the government to include Darfur at the top of its international policy agenda, and take actions that would be effective in bringing peace and security to the people there."

A follow-up letter will be sent to Canada's new Prime Minister, Stephen Harper.

The crisis has left about one million people homeless since the conflict began in Feb. 2003, with deaths estimated to be anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 as a result of militia attacks, as well as a lack of food, sanitation and healthcare in refugee camps. Approximately 130,000 people are living in these camps in neighbouring Chad.