On a warm June afternoon, Caritas Southwark joined with a wide group of partners to mark the beginning of Refugee Week with a very special interfaith event: Dover: A Place of Sanctuary & Hope.
Held just a short walk from the harbour, this moving gathering brought together individuals and communities from across faiths and backgrounds — including Christians, Muslims, and Jews — to celebrate welcome, honour the journeys of refugees and asylum seekers, and reflect on the shared call to hospitality.
The event was a collaboration between Seeking Sanctuary, Cliffs of Sanctuary, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the Diocese of Canterbury, Canterbury Cathedral, and The Social Justice Network, with Caritas Southwark proud to be among those present in support and solidarity.
A Day of Reflection and Shared Humanity
The afternoon opened with a warm welcome from Reverend Melissa Carter, Reverend John Panario, and Imam Imran Hussain, who set the tone for an inclusive, reflective gathering. In her opening address, Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin offered powerful words about compassion, justice, and the moral imperative to stand with those on the margins.
Throughout the event, music from the band Ooberfuse filled the space with energy and hope, while deeply moving testimonies from Dr. Alex Ntung and Obaida Sharkia, a youth ambassador from KRAN (Kent Refugee Action Network), brought real-life stories of courage and resilience into the heart of the day.
There was time for learning too, with a thoughtful interfaith quiz hosted by Domenica Pecoraro and Rabbi Cliff Cohen, as well as poetry readings, offering artistic reflections on belonging, faith, and welcome.
A moment of quiet prayer and reflection followed, led by Reverend Melissa Carter, focusing on the symbolic lattice — a powerful image of connection, openness, and support.
Hospitality and Hope for the Future
As the afternoon drew to a close, Rabbi Cliff Cohen and Councillor Sue Beer shared their closing reflections, reminding us of the importance of unity and community action. The day ended as it had begun — with music, hospitality, and connection, as guests shared refreshments to the uplifting sounds of Ooberfuse.
