News reports of teargas being used in Calais and on the Greek-FYROM border, with allegations of mistreatment of asylum seekers in Glasgow by the Home Office sub-contractor reminds us that the refugee crisis remains very real and also very close: how do societies and communities respond to human need and respect human dignity? In late 2015 several Scottish Churches and Faith Groups resolved to establish a refugee co-ordination project as a joint response to a growing humanitarian catastrophe.
The project is now underway, and is called Scottish Faiths Action for Refugee, cor-ordinated by David Bradwell. It is a joint faiths initiative, involving a number of Scottish Churches and the main representative Ecumenical, Jewish, Muslim and Interfaith groups. You can find out more about the background and some links to useful resources on the website www.sfar.org.uk and follow the work on Twitter @WithRefugees
As Refugee Co-ordinator, David Bradwell’s role includes offering support to local church leaders and congregations on refugee and asylum issues. Please contact him if you would like:
- Information about asylum seekers and refugees
- David to speak to a meeting or take part in a worship service
- Written material and photographs for a website or newsletter
- Suggestions for how individuals and congregations can take practical action to help Syrian families arriving in the UK, asylum seekers, as well as refugees in camps or journeying to safety in Europe.
David will be producing an occasional email newsletter, if you would like to be kept informed about the project, contact him on dbradwell@churchofscotland.org.uk
