Bishop Patrick Dunn, President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, has welcomed an increase in New Zealand’s refugee intake, and the pilot of a community sponsorship program.
He acknowledged that New Zealand’s contribution is modest and pointed to the need to address the causes of the refugee crisis, saying:
“The extent of the global refugee crisis is staggering and the number of people that we can help is never going to solve the issue.
An end to conflict and persecution and meaningful and lasting peace are the only things that can resolve this crisis.”
The community support program would allow for refugees beyond the government’s quota to be welcomed.
More information from CathNews NZ & Pacific.