Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees 🧡

On 8 February, churches across the UK will mark Racial Justice Sunday, a day to reflect on racism, justice and how our faith calls us to respond. We are sharing this helpful resource from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland: ctbi.org.uk/racial-justice… 🧡🕊️

When talking about refugees it's so important to get the facts right. That's why we are so happy to share this new poster resource from City of Sanctuary which sets out some key truths about people seeking sanctuary. cityofsanctuary.org/facts/ 🧡🕊️

It is so encouraging to see faith communities responding to hatred with love and unity. “It’s in all our self-interest to work together. We are community. We’re not separate strands – we belong”⛪🧡 theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/j…

The Right Reverend Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, has issued this statement in response to the attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue this morning. “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the violent incident that has taken place this morning at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected –  the victims, their families, and the wider Jewish community – especially on this sacred day of Yom Kippur. “Such acts of violence have no place in our communities. Manchester is a city built on diversity, mutual respect, and unity. As we showed after the horrific terrorist attack of 2017, the way we defy those who seek to sow seeds of hatred in our community, is to draw closer to one another in love. Hate can never defeat hate, only love can conquer hate. “Today, we stand in solidarity with our Jewish neighbours and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace and safety for all. I commend the swift response of the emergency services and offer my full support to those working to bring healing and justice in the wake of this tragedy. “Let us continue to pray for those injured, for the community in grief, and for the courage to stand together against hatred in all its forms.” +David @BishManchester

SFAR are compiling a list of resources for faith communities responding to far-right and anti-migrant protests in their area. Find the links here and never forget that your support for sanctuary matters 🧡🕊️ sfar.org.uk/faithfully-res…

We are one year on from the violent disorders and far-right protests. Here are five practical ways that churches and church leaders can build relationships and foster peace in local communities before a crisis occurs – and be ready to respond when it does jpit.uk/positive-prepa…

Today we join over 200 orgs to call for communities & the country to be brought together for a different way forward – one that's compassionate & united. This must be a turning point. #TogetherWithRefugees

This week's journey of faith and welcome 🧡 How can we build multicultural faith communities that reflect the communities around us? youtu.be/c_9MMdC20Ss

Order your free Welcome posters! When we fill our windows, streets, and shared spaces with posters of welcome, we show our neighbours and MPs that kindness and solidarity are stronger than fear or division🧡 Get yours now👇 actionnetwork.org/forms/order-yo…

Why not show that kindness and solidarity are stronger than fear and division? Get involved quickly and easily by ordering your free personalisable Welcome posters from @RefugeeTogether today. Let your community know where you stand 🧡

If you're keen to support the humanitarian emergency in #Gaza but aren't quite sure how, why not sign petitions or follow a campaign that you feel comfortable supporting? E.g. @christian_aid petition to the UK Gov for just peace christianaid.org.uk/appeals/emerge…

If you're keen to support the humanitarian emergency in #Gaza but aren't quite sure how, why not donate via the @BritishRedCross Gaza Crisis Appeal donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/gaza-cr…

This week's journey of faith and welcome. What encourages you when you watch it? 🧡 Philomena is seeking asylum in Scotland. She speaks powerfully about the struggles people seeking asylum face in Scotland and the impact her local church had. youtu.be/oQtNLUbFwc4

We love sharing journeys of faith and welcome. Stories challenge our hearts and minds, they inspire and encourage. Do you have your own story to tell? 🧡 youtu.be/330Gh9E0TNQ #JourneysOfFaithAndWelcome #RefugeesWelcome

The Government has announced that it has lifted the pause in decisions on asylum applications from people from Syria. In response, @EnverSol has said the below:

Reminiscing about our wonderful ecumenical service we held a few weeks ago to mark #SanctuarySunday. Did you celebrate the contributions of refugees and people seeking asylum in your community too? Let us know about it 🧡

It's been just over 2 weeks since #RefugeeWeek and #SanctuarySunday and we'd love to hear how you marked the week. Did you organise a service or event? Did you have a chance to use our #SanctuaryStories resource? sfar.org.uk/sanctuary-sund… We'd love to hear from you! 🧡

Resources for Sanctuary Sunday, 22 June, include this new film from @MethodistGB; Sanctuary: The Hospitality of Host, Guest and Stranger from Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal and Dr Jayme R Reaves; and Sanctuary Stories from @WithRefugees: ctbi.org.uk/event/sanctuar… youtu.be/6MhB-dHUTEA?si…

One more week until #SanctuarySunday. Check out our new resource #SanctuaryStories for ideas of how you can include the voices of sanctuary seekers in your services and midweek meetings. Download here: sfar.org.uk/sanctuary-sund… #RefugeeFestScot #RefugeeWeek #TogetherWithRefugees