Millions of people are displaced because of poverty, conflict and climate change, as well as persecution, and polarisation is increasing.
Our Christian understanding that we are all made in the image of God is as important as ever as we respond.
Listen to stories of refugees who have been welcomed
Hoylake Methodist Church which features in the video is mentioned in a report by the Theos Think Tank on practical recommendations for refugee integration.
A prayer for refugees
Prayer by Ashkan Rezaei, Lancaster
I am many things –
Iranian, an asylum seeker,
a person with disabilities,
a husband,
a charity founder,
a journalist,
a community activist –
though at my core,
I am simply a person
who wants to help others
live independent
and fulfilling lives.
Loving God,
You know all our hardships and especially for those who have to flee war and injustice.
You don’t give up on us, even when we let you down.
Thank you for all those people who welcome us, as strangers, into their lives.
Thank you for kindness and hospitality.
Thank you for new homes and new friends.
We ask you to take care of all the loved ones we have left behind. Amen
What can we do?
Show welcome
Find out about becoming a Church of Sanctuary, and join church communities around the UK standing in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers
Respond to anti-migrant protests
With the rise of anti-migrant protests, how can church leaders, lay or ordained, respond?
Listen, learn and celebrate
Hear from migrants, staff and volunteers at Trinity Safe Space, a community of asylum seekers based at two Methodist churches.
Reach out in peace
When tensions rise in communities, churches can be agents of peace, compassion, sanctuary, solidarity and support.
Challenge hostility and stand in solidarity
Read the briefing from the Joint Public Issues Team. Learn the facts, and how to take action
Call for a fairer approach
Call for a fairer and more compassionate approach to asylum through the Fair Begins Here campaign supported by the Methodist Church
Join in with Sanctuary Sunday
Why not mark Sanctuary Sunday during Refugee Week each June?
