Canada: Update to CAN41695.E of 25 June 2003 on the performance of second baptisms in the Living Stone Assembly Church; the names of additional churches that the reverend named in the Information Request is associated with and whether second baptisms are performed in these churches even if members were already baptised in China
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 22 January 2004 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | CAN42371.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Canada: Update to CAN41695.E of 25 June 2003 on the performance of second baptisms in the Living Stone Assembly Church; the names of additional churches that the reverend named in the Information Request is associated with and whether second baptisms are performed in these churches even if members were already baptised in China, 22 January 2004, CAN42371.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/403dd1e614.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
In a telephone interview with the Research Directorate, the reverend named in the Information Request, stated that he oversees the following five churches: the Living Water Assembly (159 Claremont Rd., Toronto); the Living Water Assembly West (1111 Arrow Rd., Toronto); the Living Water Assembly North (5000 Steeles Ave., Markham); the Living Stone Assembly (3501 Kennedy Rd., North York); and the Living Word Assembly (65 Baif Blvd., Richmond Hill) (21 Jan. 2004). The Reverend stated that second baptisms, involving full-body immersion, are performed at each of the five churches (ibid.). According to the Reverend, individuals who were baptised in China by receiving only a sprinkle of water on the head are encouraged to undergo a full-body baptism in one of his churches (ibid.). The Reverend also noted that certificates of baptism, which include the individual's name, date of birth, date of baptism and photograph, are issued at all of the churches with the exception of the Living Stone Assembly, where the certificates may not contain the individual's photograph (ibid.). In the future the Living Stone Assembly Church hopes to have photographs included on all of the certificates of baptism (ibid.).
For further information, please consult CAN41695.E of 25 June 2003.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
Reference
Reverend, Living Stone Assembly Church, North York. 21 January 2004. Telephone interview.
