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In over two decades working in politics, government and law, I have never seen a stronger case to support a public policy intervention than there is for supervised consumption sites. They are life-saving health services during a public health emergency. But I fear that no amount of research and data can overcome prejudice against people who use drugs and politicians who traffic in demonizing them. So where does that leave us?

One of the conversations we desperately need to have if this is to change is how people of faith should respond to the overdose crisis. A study by the World Health Organization found that people who use drugs are subject to the highest level of social disapproval or stigma of any other group in society — worse even than people with leprosy. It gave me pause when I read that. The same Jesus who I follow had a heart of compassion for all people. While others would shout “Unclean!” and drive lepers out of town, Jesus cared. He laid his hands on them and healed them.

People who use drugs are treated as lepers by our society. If Jesus Christ walked the earth today, I believe he would spend much of his time, as he did two millennia ago, in two places. First, he would be found in “deteriorating” communities, showing his compassion and love to the outcasts of our society. Jesus said: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” and “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” He came to save, not to condemn. He offers compassion, hope and freedom.

The second place you’d find Jesus today would be denouncing the hypocrisy of modern “Pharisees,” the self-righteous who cling to religious observance, but whose actions are unmerciful and lead to death. It’s a message that’s hit home for me. There is hope for people trapped in the chains of addiction. But without a chance to live another day, they will never find it.

Benjamin Perrin is a law professor at the University of British Columbia and author ofthe upcoming book Overdose: Heartbreak and Hope in Canada’s Opioid Crisis (Viking Canada).www.overdosebook.ca