Yesterday, London’s Church Leaders came together to discuss churches’ responses to refugees, asylum seekers and destitute migrants.
We shared many examples of work already being done and discussed how we as church leaders can collaborate to maximise the practical impact of the efforts of churches all over the capital.
However, we also shared our grave concerns about reports of harassment and abuse, connected to heightened tensions around the subject of immigration, that have occurred across the capital in recent months.
London is the most diverse city in the world and in the future will either be a beacon of racial harmony, or a dreadful warning. The Mayor and the Metropolitan Police are playing an important role, but it is the responsibility of every citizen to stand up for the tolerance which makes London such a creative place to live.
London’s churches have a unique role to play in bringing to life stories of London communities coming together as neighbours and fellow citizens across all the boundaries of class, religion and ethnicity.
In recognition and celebration of our collective responsibility, we have agreed to launch an initiative via social media under the banner of #LondonUnited, to share stories of London communities coming together as neighbours and fellow citizens across all the boundaries of class, religion and ethnicity.
May I encourage you as parishes, chaplaincies, clergy and congregations to share pictures on social media of yourselves and your guests of all ages, races, and faiths at church community events in the run up to Christmas, marked with the hashtag #LondonUnited. More information can be found on the diocesan website.
Communities are made by stories which translate principles into flesh and blood. I look forward to sharing in your stories this Advent.
#LondonUnited encourages Christian churches across London to showcase their community work, particularly in response to the needs of refugees, asylum seekers and destitute migrants.
