'Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."'
Matthew 22:37-40
As Christ’s disciples, we take seriously the command to love God and to love those who He has placed around us. With this in mind, we want to demonstrate welcome and hospitality to those who have recently arrived in the UK, particularly those who are fleeing persecution, conflict and adversity.
Those seeking sanctuary in the UK have much to offer, and bring a vibrant mix of culture, gifts and experiences with them. We open ourselves up to be enriched by their contribution to our society. However, we are also aware that these families and individuals have turned to the UK due to the necessity of an intolerable situation in their home country. As God’s people, we are called to respond with compassion and generosity, not only meeting material need, but offering friendship, dignity and support.
The resources below aim to help us build genuine and mutual relationships as we walk alongside our neighbours as they navigate life in a new country and begin to make a home here. In doing so, we reflect the heart of Christ for building communities of mutual belonging.
Understanding the process for seeking sanctuary in the UK
There can be some confusion around the processes for those seeking sanctuary in the UK. We have collated some resources which outline the processes and pathways and explain a little more about how people might be able to find a route to safety.
*Please note these resources are for individuals wishing to understand the resettlement options, asylum system or lived experience of refugees better. It is illegal to give immigration advice to individuals unless you are a regulated official and these resources should not be used by churches for that purpose.
Key terms
Migrant
A general term for someone who moves to another country to live, whether that is due to study or work opportunities, family circumstances, or any other reason.
Asylum seeker
Someone who has asked another country for protection due to an intolerable situation in their home country. In the UK, asylum claims can only be made when the individual is physically in the UK. Whilst the government is assessing their claim, they are known as an asylum seeker.
Refugee
Someone who has had their asylum claim formally recognised by the UK government.
What are the different ways that people might seek resettlement in the UK
Take a look at our infographic which will help us understand current UK resettlement pathways, and how our church communities are supporting refugees, migrants and asylum seekers within this system.
Please click on the image below to view the the infographic, and then click again to zoom in further.
Church communities creating stories of welcome, Refugee Week 2022
What is the process for seeking asylum in the UK?
The Right to Remain Toolkit is a comprehensive guide to the asylum system. It’s free to use and offers a step by step guide. It’s for anyone who might want to learn more about the legal process.
Myths about the asylum system
Southwark Borough have produced a helpful webpage which outlines some of the more common ‘myths’ about those seeking sanctuary and the process for doing so.
Engaging with those seeking asylum in our local area
We know that many churches want to reach out to the individuals and families who have been placed in hostels near to their parish. We would suggest that this is always done in partnership with other organisations and with careful consideration. If you would like to begin this type of ministry, then we suggest getting in contact with us at [email protected] to discuss this further.
Below are some of the activities that our churches are engaged in across the Diocese that come alongside those seeking asylum.
Running a coffee morning for asylum seekers
We recently caught up with Jackie who runs the Meet Up at St. Barnabas, Dulwich. She explains how they were able to offer a warm welcome to local individuals and families seeking asylum over coffee and games and shares some tips and ideas for how to get a project like this started.
Running English conversation classes
One of the ways which churches have been able to come alongside their neighbours is in offering support for learning English.
Supporting during individuals during the transition from asylum seeker to recognised refugee
The transition from asylum seeker to integrated refugee can be really challenging. Once they have had their refugee status confirmed by the Home office, individuals and families have to navigate the complex systems involved in opening a bank account, finding accommodation and employment, enrolling their children in school, potentially asking the council for support whilst they get back on their feet and more. This can be an overwhelming time, particularly given the strict 42 day eviction policy from their previous accommodation and given the fact that these individuals and families will be arranging all this in a language that is not their native tongue.
We have collated a simple support guide to help facilitate this process. It can be used by those who have had their refugee status confirmed, or by churches wanting to better support them.
* Please note that the document has not yet been updated to reflect the current move on period of 42 days and still reflects the previous 56 day limit.
Being a refugee friendly church
A quick guide to welcoming
Our quick guide for welcoming refugees has a host of ideas for supporting and celebrating refugees and asylum seekers in our local communities – for us as individual Christians and as whole churches.
Helping refugees integrate into the local community
Theos have produced a fantastic guide for church leaders who would like to help refugees integrate into the local community. You can find a link to it below.
Stories of Welcome from our Church Communities
In Refugee Week 2022 we collected the stories of church communities across London and east Surrey welcoming refugees, migrants and asylum seekers from all over the world.
Video 1 – Stories of Welcome (Compilation video)
Compilation video of stories of welcome from four church communities across London and east Surrey welcoming refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. Featuring:-
- Welcoming families from Afghanistan at St Paul’s Marylebone
- Hosting asylum seekers through the Jesuit Refugee Service ‘At Home’ project at St Mary of the Angels, Bayswater
- Supporting asylum seekers in hotels at the Croydon Refugee Day Centre
- Supporting asylum seekers from the LGBTQI+ community at St James’s Piccadilly
Video 2 – Afghan Welcome – St Paul’s, Marylebone
The Revd Clare Dowding and the Revd Donna McDowell of St Paul’s, Marylebone talk to us about welcoming families from Afghanistan.
Video 3 – Hosting asylum seekers – St Mary of the Angels, Bayswater
Fr Keith Baltrop, Parish Priest of St Mary of the Angels, Paddington talks to us about hosting asylum seekers through the Jesuit Refugee Service UK’s ‘At Home’ hosting project.
Video 4 – Supporting asylum seekers in hotels – Croydon Refugee Day Centre
The Revd Linda Fox talks to us about providing clothing and other necessities to people in Home Office accommodation with the Croydon Refugee Day Centre
Video 5- Supporting the LGBTQI+ community – St James’s Piccadilly
Please download the “Stories of Welcome” pdf brochure, containing eight stories from church communities across London and east Surrey welcoming refugees, migrants and asylum seekers.
Supporting individuals or families through a resettlement scheme
Homes for Ukraine
Individuals and organisations can offer Homes for Ukraine. If you have a spare room or separate accommodation that you are prepared to offer for a minimum of 6 months, you can sign up to host a refugee individual or family.
Community Sponsorship and Named Community Sponsorship
More information to be added soon.
