Local churches are responding to a national call to become welcoming spaces for refugees and people seeking asylum.
Founded in Derby, Welcome Churches is a network of more than 1,420 churches offering friendship and practical support to refugees and people seeking asylum. Its vision is that every refugee in the UK would be welcomed by a local church, preferably within just a short walk from their accommodation.
Diss United Reformed Church in Norfolk is among those taking part.
“We joined the Welcome Churches network when several Ukrainian refugees began attending Diss,” said Gabrielle Pagan, an elder of the church.
“We hosted a support group and, as part of Churches Together, collected funds for essential items. One highlight was discovering that two of the Ukrainian women were opera singers from Odesa. We found them a professional pianist, and they performed concerts at the church and across the district, which were very popular.”
Apart from collecting funds and items, churches and community partners worked together to offer support, including running a weekly welcome café, English classes and sewing groups. The congregation also supported families placed in local hotels after arriving in the UK with few possessions.
“It’s been an interesting time,” Gabrielle added. “We’ve learnt a lot about the challenges people face when settling in a new country. It’s important to build strong local partnerships, use people’s gifts, and work out what you can offer.”
Weymouth Baptist Church also responded when people seeking asylum were housed on the Bibby Stockholm in Portland Port. Working alongside local churches, faith leaders and community organisations, the church visited residents on the barge regularly and supported people as they adjusted to life in the UK. The church also hosted shared meals, celebrations and gatherings, recognising and encouraging the gifts and talents of those seeking sanctuary.
Even after residents were relocated around the country, the church stayed in contact with many of those they had welcomed, helping connect them with churches in new areas through the Welcome Churches network.
The Joint Public Issues Team is encouraging more congregations to join the Welcome Churches network and explore how they can offer hospitality, support and solidarity in their local communities.
Roo Stewart, URC Head of Public Issues, said: “It is a shining example of the love of God that churches are ensuring their spaces are welcoming and supportive not only of local people, who themselves are often experiencing impossible challenges because of the high cost of living, but also of those new to the area who are seeking safety in the UK.
“In a time when some are trying to foment division and mistrust within our society, congregations connected with Welcome Churches are demonstrating that love for God and love for neighbours, from whatever background, are inextricably linked and vital to our Christian faith and practice.”
James Lynch, CEO of Welcome Churches, said: “Welcome Churches exists to help churches welcome refugees and to offer connection, integration and a sense of belonging. It has been our privilege to support churches in their journey of welcoming, and we are delighted that there are 174 Baptist churches, 31 Methodist churches and 15 United Reformed Churches among those we are supporting.
“We’d love to connect with your church too, and to offer our support, training and resources to more churches.
“Please consider contacting Welcome Churches to join the network. We would love to partner with you as you welcome the stranger among you (Leviticus 19:34, Matthew 25:35 and Hebrews 13:2) and provide a loving Christian community for those seeking sanctuary in your local community.”
Learn more about Welcome Churches.
James Lynch is CEO of Welcome Churches, a national charity whose aim is for “Every Refugee to be Welcomed by the Local Church”.