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Christians Aware is an international and inter-denominational organisation, working to develop multicultural understanding

and friendship locally, nationally and internationally. These are some of my highlights of the weekend.

The conference was opened by Torsten Moritz (Executive Secretary of the Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe)

who gave us an overview of global migration trends. In the face of increasing global hostility towards migrants, Torsten

reminded the attendees that being a migrant was our Christian vocation which urges us to create a world in which we become

more human together. Inderjit Bhogal (from Cities of Sanctuary and Churches of Sanctuary) offered a biblical reflection about

the experience of being a migrant, and explained how his own migrant journey has taken him from being a stranger to

becoming the host and, eventually, a guest. He emphasised that Christians believe in a migrant God who journeys with God’s

people.

On Saturday, Bethan Lant (from Praxis and Chair of the London Churches Refugee Network) offered an insightful overview of

the main aspects of Migration and Asylum in the UK, highlighting the many failings of the UK’s asylum system and the

systematic lack of compassion it generates. Regarding the Churches’ response to the suffering inflicted on those who seek

sanctuary in the UK, Bethan urged Christian communities to continue to offer what has become a vital practical support to

refugees, but insisted that the good deeds must be accompanied by a strong advocacy work in order to challenge a failed

asylum system.

With my colleague Catherine Bridgwood (a former Columban Faith In Action Volunteer and Befriending Coordinator of

Restore) we delivered a seminar entitled ‘Working towards a preferential option for the refugee’. The seminar explored how

the refugee experience can enrich the Church and contribute to devising strategies of help and hope. It started with an

interactive activity inviting participants to reflect on the ‘labels’ and words we commonly use to refer to people on the move

and refuges. In light of that, participants reflected on the significance of the 1951 Refugee Convention, a key document

offering clear definitions as well as an outline of the protection refugees must be given. Resonating with Bethan Lant’s

presentation, we noted a dangerous increasing reluctance of the UK government to meet its international legal obligations

regarding asylum protection.

The seminar continued with an invitation to adopt and adapt the term ‘preferential option’ with regards to refugees and the

refugee experience in both areas, theological thinking and praxis. We explored together the significance of the refugee

experience as a locus for mission today, as well as a ‘source of salvation’ for Christians in the twenty-first century. We ended

the session showcasing the work of Restore which has offered befriending services to asylum seekers for 25 years, and the

work of Fatima House, that has offered a pathway out of destitution to women seeking protection in Birmingham for the past

seven years.

The conference also offered very well prepared and beautiful liturgies and prayers with inspiring music and other art

expressions. The final blessings of the evening liturgy on the Saturday expresses well the spirit of the weekend:

‘May God who calls us to love the stranger,

and Christ who was a refugee with nowhere to lay his head,

and the Spirit who breaks down barriers of language and culture,

Bless us now to recognise You in every human face.’

A Leaflet giving details of the Visit to Canterbury, May 24 - 26, can be downloaded via the

top button.

The Summer School this year, "Faith in Life" - Care for creation by the world faiths, will

be held at Parcevall Hall, July 21 - 26. Down load leaflet via the button.