On Dec 21, the New Democratic Party of Canada called for the restoration of $7-million in government funds to KAIROS, a mainstream Christian religious organization that has received government funds for foreign projects for 35 years. It also demanded an apology from Immigration Minister Jason Kenney for “an outrageous mistake” of accusing KAIROS of anti-Israeli activities and anti-Semitism. However, no apology was expected as Kenney’s spokesman said the minister stands by his statement of last week that KAIROS was being denied funds because it had played “a leadership role in the boycott, divestment and sanctions against [Israel].”

KAIROS member churches include the Anglican Church of Canada, The Christian Reformed Church in North America, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, The Presbyterian Church in Canada, The United Church of Canada, The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, The Canadian Religious Conference, The Mennonite Central Committee of Canada and the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund.

The 90-member Canadian Council for International Co-operation also issued an open letter to Bev Oda, minister for the Canadian International Development Agency, expressing “deep shock and dismay” over the government halting funds to KAIROS and about Kenney’s “careless and erroneous” characterization of the organization’s stance on Israel.