From the Oxford Diocese…..
This is an eNews special marking Refugee Week (19-25 June). This year, Refugee Week has a particular significance with such a great number of refugees and asylum seekers all over the world and in the UK.
75 years of Windrush
This week, we welcomed the Archbishop of the West Indies, Howard Gregory, to the diocese for the 75 year Anniversary of the arrival of Empire Windrush to the UK.
Archbishop Howard has been visiting clergy and churches across the diocese, meeting members of the Windrush Generation, and preaching at special services of thanksgiving at Christ Church Cathedral and St Georges, Tilehurst.
? Listen to interviews with Archbishop Howard on local BBC Radio.
Archbishop Howard will lead a national service at Southwark Cathedral today, celebrating the significant role of the Windrush Generation in shaping the cultural landscape of Britain. ? Watch the live stream at 2pm
A joyful moment
Bishop Gavin confirmed 11 confirmands at St Mary’s, Witney, earlier this month, including 10 Iranian asylum seekers.
How you can get involved
In the Thames Valley, we have helped almost 200 Ukrainians to find host families who opened their homes and hearts.
We understand that not everybody has a spare room, so if you can’t offer your accommodation but still want to help, there are different ways you can do this:
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- ?Volunteer as an English tutor to support our English classes for Ukrainians, Hong-Kongers, and other new arrivals. Read more from the volunteers about their experience.
- Donate to Citizens UK’s Flights Fundraiser to help Ukrainian people, like those we’ve welcomed, reach safety and sanctuary in the UK.
- Mark Refugee Sunday at your church on 25 June – Find resources ?from Welcome Churches.
Church refugee projects
Churches and parishes are doing fantastic work to support refugees and asylum seekers in the Thames Valley
In West Oxfordshire, Maria Skoyles runs a sewing group for refugee and asylum seeker women living in nearby hotels.
? Listen to Maria on BBC Radio Oxford.
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