Westminster parishes encouraged to join refugee sponsorship scheme

Caritas Westminster and Capital Mass held an information evening on 1 February, to encourage more parishes and groups and to become involved in the Community Sponsorship Scheme. Following the recent Home Office appeal to churches to help integrate refugees, the evening was designed to offer practical advice and support in a bid to encourage greater participation.

The evening was opened by Rt Rev Paul MacAleenan, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and Bishop for Migration, who stressed the importance of community, and how it is integral to faith.

The event was aimed at sharing information and explaining the practical implications of sponsoring refugees. Sharing their knowledge were people who have already taken part in the scheme across the country as well as representatives from charities with expertise in this area. Bekele Woyecha from Citizens UK reassured those present that it was not a daunting as it seemed. He explained that asking our government to admit refugees is not enough and that the success welcome and integration of refugees depends on the support of individuals and community groups.

Sean Ryan from Caritas Salford and Nick Coke from the Salvation Army spoke about the ups and downs of sponsoring refugees. Nick reminded people to 'think of their motivation for sponsoring refugees, because it would carry them through the difficulties'. Sean gave a moving account of the refugee family his Parish sponsored and how that welcome had been extended by the whole community.

The audience was given an opportunity to ask questions on a range of issues, such as housing, safeguarding and cultural sensitivity.

The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton, reaffirmed that God has given our communities everything needed to carry out the work of sponsorship and he will continue to bless us if we continue to care for his people.

More information can be found at Church Response for Refugees: www.forrefugees.uk/community-sponsorship/. Church Response for Refugees, a charity specially set up with the goal of inspiring and equipping 100 churches to become community sponsors by 2018.