Accompanying Migrants & Refugees

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”Love the stranger then, for you were once strangers in Egypt”

━ Deuteronomy 10:19

Refugees come to our communities seeking safety and a fresh start. We’re here to accompany them, promoting resettlement schemes across our communities and working to establish Southwark as an archdiocese of sanctuary.

Why Does It Matter?

Pope Francis’ Teachings:

Pope Francis reminded us that we are all migrants on this Earth, journeying toward our “true homeland” — the Kingdom of Heaven.
He also taught us that vulnerability in the form of migration and asylum is a call to love and protect the stranger.

Scripture:

“… and remember always to welcome strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it” — (Hebrews 13:2).
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you made me welcome” — (Matthew 25:35).

Dignity and Inclusion:

Migrants and refugees are to be included as part of the human family — every person, no matter their status, is a child of God deserving of respect, care, and justice.
Human trafficking and modern slavery are serious crimes and injustices that are connected to the migration crisis. Pope Francis referred to the suffering of those caught in these horrors as “a wound on the body of Christ“, emphasising the moral imperative to address these issues.

What Does Caritas Southwark Do?

We work with the Jesuit Refugee Service, which runs a housing scheme for refugees and encourages individuals and groups to welcome them into their communities.

Recently, they have been supporting a parish in South London where refugees have been hosted in a flat on the church grounds. Volunteers have been trained to support these people by providing food and other essentials and simply by reaching out the hand of friendship.

We also work with The Santa Marta Group, which is an alliance of bishops and police chiefs working together to eradicate human trafficking and modern slavery. Our partnership is reflected in the co-hosting of discussion events aimed at raising awareness and promoting action.

What Can I Do?

There are several ways to respond to the call to support migrants, refugees, and victims of human trafficking. We are working on creating a bank of resources for each of the below points, so please check again soon or reach out to us if you are looking for more practical advice in the interim.

Pray and Reflect:

Take time to pray and reflect on the challenges faced by migrants and refugees.
Discern how you can personally contribute to alleviating their suffering.

Advocate and Campaign:

Engage in campaigns that raise awareness about migration and asylum issues.
Advocate for fair policies that protect the rights and dignity of all migrants.

What Can I Do?

Collect Donations and Resources:

Organise collections to support refugees and migrants in need of food, shelter, legal aid, or other essential services.

Host and Welcome:

Join a welcome group that offers practical and emotional support for newcomers.
Become a church of sanctuary — a community that provides hospitality and refuge to those in need.