Refugees, asylum seekers & modern slavery

“Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” Psalm 12:5

1 in 4 of our churches across the diocese support refugees and asylum-seeking peoples, in distinct and various ways; from English classes to clothes banks to hospitality, our churches are busy demonstrating the love of Christ in action, by building community across cultural religious and social-economic divides. Whilst some people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds may be Christian, others will not be, and it is important to know how to sensitively and appropriately care for people from all cultures and all faiths (or none). How is your church reaching out to and supporting local refugees and asylum seekers?

“Listen! The wages of the labourers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts”. James 5:4

We encourage all our churches to be modern slavery-aware; slavery is not experienced just by [some] refugees and asylum seekers, but by anyone, anywhere. You may not think that you will ever meet someone who is being held in modern slavery – think again! Churches that offer warm spaces, safety and practical provision like food and clothing are more likely to encounter people who are enslaved – make sure you know how to spot the signs, report it and protect your communities. Would you know who to contact to help a victim or survivor of slavery find safety?