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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.


What can I do?

Join in with Sanctuary Sunday

Why not mark Sanctuary Sunday on Sunday 22 June during Refugee Week?

Clitheroe sanctuary

A Prayer for Sanctuary Sunday

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

A film for Sanctuary Sunday

What does it mean to be part of a welcoming community?

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

Church of Sanctuary

Listen, learn and celebrate

Hear from migrants, staff and volunteers at Trinity Safe Space, a community of asylum seekers based at two Methodist churches.

A volunteer in discission with a migrant at a table

Challenge hostility and stand in solidarity

Read the briefing from the Joint Public Issues Team. Learn the facts, and how to take action

Wall hanging showing birds migrating across a world map

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

Refugees at Darwen Methodist Church

L talks about their story seeking sanctuary after having to flee their home country in 2022.