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30 Ideas to help your congregation become a Place of Sanctuary

April 22, 2024

Here are some ideas to help your community on the journey to becoming a Place of Sanctuary and applying for your City of Sanctuary award.

The suggestions are grouped under the three application categories: Learn, Embed, and Share.

More information on applying for the Faith Stream of Sanctuary Award can be found at https://faith.cityofsanctuary.org/places-of-worship-sanctuary-award

 

LEARN

1. Organize a teaching series on themes in your Scriptures of hospitality, migration, and justice, connecting them to the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers.
2. Create a monthly study group or house group discussion on migration and sanctuary, inviting guest speakers with lived experiences.
3. Host interfaith panels or community forums discussing local migration issues and ways your group can support.
4. Include stories of refugees and migrants in your newsletter or during announcements.
5. Display educational posters or brochures in common areas (entrance, hallways) that explain refugee and asylum-seeker issues.
6. Feature a "Refugee of the Month" highlight during community events, sharing personal reports or global news updates related to migration.
7. Invite refugees and asylum seekers to share their testimonies during worship services or in special events, allowing them to lead prayer or share insights.
8. Form a committee focused on migrant issues, including representation from refugee communities.
9. Host workshops where asylum seekers and refugees can speak directly to the congregation about their experiences and needs.

EMBED

10. Place multilingual Welcome signs at your building entrance, using languages spoken by the local refugee and migrant communities.
11. Establish a hospitality team that greets all newcomers and ensures refugees and migrants are integrated into your activities and supported.
12. Offer language support services (translation or interpretation) during services or set up buddy systems where native members help non-English speakers.
13. Organize a Sanctuary-themed worship service, focusing on the contributions of refugees to the local community and sharing prayers for displaced individuals.
14. Collaborate with local schools or community groups to host an exhibition or event during Refugee Week, showcasing art or stories from the refugee community.
15. Dedicate the second Sunday in February (Racial Justice Sunday) to a service where migrant voices are highlighted, and refugee contributions are celebrated.
16. Partner with local charities to support a food bank or shelter for destitute asylum seekers, organizing donation drives or volunteer teams.
17. Set up or support a weekly Welcome Café where asylum seekers can gather for conversation, legal advice, and social support.
18. Launch a community project where your members and refugees can work together, fostering friendship and solidarity.
19. Organize a signing ceremony during a worship service where you publicly endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter, involving congregation members.

SHARE

20. Promote the City of Sanctuary Charter in newsletters, social media, and during worship services, encouraging other community organizations to sign.
21. Display the signed pledge on a prominent wall and explain its significance during meetings or community events.
22. Regularly update your website and social media with stories, photos, and announcements about refugee support activities.
23. Dedicate a section of your noticeboard to Sanctuary initiatives, with updates on how congregants can get involved.
24. Publish a quarterly "Sanctuary Newsletter" highlighting your efforts and opportunities to engage in welcoming refugees and asylum seekers.
25. Share your successes, challenges, and resources on the Faiths Stream of Sanctuary platform or at City of Sanctuary UK events.
26. Encourage your members to attend Faiths Stream of Sanctuary webinars and events to remain informed and engaged.
27. Collaborate with other local congregations to create a shared online resource hub / social media group where ideas and strategies for supporting refugees can be exchanged.
28. Host a letter-writing campaign after services where your members can write to MPs advocating for fairer asylum policies.
29. Organize an educational session with a local charity or advocacy group to explain current issues in the asylum system and encourage action.
30. Actively promote petitions and campaigns related to asylum reform during services and in newsletters, encouraging members to get involved.