The United Nations reports there are 10.5 million refugees in the world. These are homeless, often stateless, mostly impoverished people displaced for many reasons, but frequently due to war and persecution.

TORONTO - As the federal government implements tough new rules for refugees starting Dec. 15 there will be a corresponding increase in cases of refugees seeking and finding sanctuary in churches and other houses of worship, Romero House co-founder Mary Jo Leddy told a meeting of about 300 refugee activists in Toronto Nov. 29.