Church of Sanctuary Conference 2024
June 10, 2024
The Church of Sanctuary and Churches’ Refugee Network (CRN) conference was hosted by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) on 8 June 2024 at The Church at Carrs Lane in Birmingham. Churches, parachurch groups, and organizations providing assistance and sanctuary to asylum seekers and refugees all gathered to hear from a cast of speakers and share experience.
The conference was attended by about 130 delegates from England, Ireland, and Wales. The event was a collaboration between CTBI, Church of Sanctuary, City of Sanctuary, and CRN. Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal, the head of Church of Sanctuary, opened the conference, followed by Shari Brown from Birmingham City of Sanctuary. Bishop Mike Royal chaired the first part of the event, focusing on the importance of the conference in light of current asylum and immigration issues in the UK.
Prof. Robert Beckford, highlighted the Windrush generation’s experiences, comparing them with current attitudes toward asylum seekers, stressing the rise of right-wing populism in Europe. Dr Jayme Reaves followed with a theological perspective on sanctuary, drawing from the Abrahamic faiths teachings on hospitality.
Workshops dealt with How to become a Church of Sanctuary, Advocacy and Political Voice, Church-Related Local Work and Asylum Voices.
In the afternoon, Dr Nicola Brady, CTBI’s General Secretary, introduced the next segment of the day, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to peace, justice, and solidarity with those on the margins. Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin then chaired the afternoon session, which featured powerful testimonies and presentations that provided deeper insights into the personal journeys of asylum seekers.
Vanessa Baker, Assistant Head at St Dunstan’s Primary School, shared how her students were deeply engaged with social justice issues, particularly around asylum and immigration, due to the influence of Catholic social teachings. This inspired the audience, demonstrating how young people are passionate about advocacy and standing with the oppressed.
The day culminated with moving testimonies from members of Stories of Hope and Home, an organization offering a safe space for people with lived experiences of seeking sanctuary. These testimonies deeply touched the attendees as the speakers recounted their difficult journeys and the ongoing challenges they face in navigating the UK’s asylum system.
In her closing remarks, Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin called for churches to embrace their prophetic role. She spoke passionately about her work in Dover, where the issue of immigration remains a contentious topic, and highlighted the need for courage and resolve in the face of hostility. Drawing on her experiences of visiting asylum seekers in France, she reminded attendees of the moral duty to welcome the stranger and stand against injustice, even when it is difficult.
The Church of Sanctuary and CRN Conference was a profound reminder of the power of faith in action. It called on all attendees to work towards a world where every person, regardless of their background, is treated with dignity, compassion, and love.
