CPTnet
July 31, 2004

COLOMBIA ACTION ALERT: Ask Canada to give Colombian CPTer visa for CPT
retreat and speaking tour

Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is inviting one of its full-time workers,
Sandra Rincon, of Madrid, Colombia, to speak at a number of Canadian
churches in September and October. She will share about the situation in
Colombia, and the non-violent efforts of Christian Peacemaker Teams to
reduce violence there. Ms. Rincon has been a part of the CPT project for
more than a year. Following her speaking tour, she will return to her home
country to resume her vital role with CPT's Colombia project.

The Canadian government unexpectedly denied her application for a short-term
visitor's visa. She will submit a new application on August 4th. We are
asking you to express immediately your support for Ms. Rincon's visa
application by telephone, fax, or email, to

The Hon. Judy Sgro, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Telephone: (613) 954-1064
Fax: (613) 957-2688
E-mail: minister@cic.gc.ca

Sample letter

Dear Minister Sgro,
I am writing in support of Sandra Rincon's visa application. Ms. Rincon, a
Colombian, is a full-time service worker with Christian Peacemaker Teams'
Colombia project. She has applied for a visa to visit Canada from August
21st until October 20th, 2004. Ms. Rincon was invited to Canada for a
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) Retreat and to speak at a number Mennonite
churches.

CPT's work in Colombia provides critical support to displaced and threatened
communities there. Ms. Rincon brings extensive experience and expertise to
the CPT project in Barrancabermeja, Colombia. Attendance at retreats and
trainings, along with public education, are essential to CPT's violence
reduction work. This trip will provide Ms. Rincon with important
opportunities to increase her understanding and skills that will benefit her
work when she returns to Colombia in October.

I am a strong supporter of international peacemaking efforts and am excited
that Colombians committed to peace have a chance to come to Canada to learn
and share about their struggles. Ms. Rincon, the CPT Colombia project, and
the people they serve in Colombia deserve all the support we can give them.

Your attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely