SCM decries government's 'political' cuts to Kairos

*The Student Christian Movement of Canada has expressed its shock and dismay at the news of the Canadian government’s decision to cut funding to KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, the SCM said in a statement today. *

KAIROS, a church-based non-governmental organization, represents seven of Canada’s largest Christian denominations. It works with global partners on a range of social justice issues, and has a long history of advancing human rights in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. KAIROS has long maintained a relationship with the Student Christian Movement of Canada, and together the SCM and Kairos have worked to empower students to become leaders in their communities, their churches, and in positions of global leadership.

“Kairos is at the forefront of human rights and justice issues here in Canada,” said David Ball, SCM Canada General Secretary. “As the world gathers to hammer out a deal tackling climate change, this seemingly political government decision raises big questions about whether Kairos is being punished for speaking out against the Canadian tar sands and government inaction on climate justice.”

“This seems like political meddling at the highest levels, and we are speaking out with Kairos’ many other partners and supporting churches to demand an immediate explanation.”

Read the SCM Solidarity Statement on CIDA funding cuts to Kairos