Refugee Week - Reflection by Canon Ellen

​Today is the last day of refugee week. https://refugeeweek.org.uk/

Refugee Week is a UK-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees. Founded in 1998 and held every year around World Refugee Day on the 20 June, Refugee Week is also a growing global movement.
Through a programme of arts, cultural and educational events alongside media and creative campaigns, Refugee Week brings about positive encounters between communities, helping them to connect and learn from each other, and promoting a culture of welcome.

Refugee Week is an umbrella festival, and anyone can get involved by holding or joining an event or activity. Refugee Week events happen in all kinds of different spaces and range from arts festivals, exhibitions, film screenings and museum tours to football tournaments, public talks and activities in schools.

Micah Liverpool https://micahliverpool.com/ has this week supported nearly 300 people many of whom are refugees and asylum seekers. Even in the pouring rain (see photo) Micah welcomes all people from any background or religion – if you need emergency food support Micah is there to assist. Many of those we have supported have become our supporters – as volunteers, as advocates for the work, as people who lobby for social change and who donate and contribute in other ways. Micah is about enabling and being enabled – the transition of kindness has definitely been mutual and sustaining.

Our cathedral Persian Farsi speaking congregation Sepas is a wonderful creative loving encouraging congregation that enriches our cathedral life. On a personal level the generosity of this worshipping community has greatly blessed my life and their prayers supported me through many challenges. I am constantly giving thanks for their faith in Christ and their witness to the gospel.  

So, this week I am praying for all those who seek sanctuary in our city, for the displaced for those who seek asylum or are refugees from all over God’s world. I am giving thanks for the diversity, love and creativity refugees and asylum seekers have brought to Cathedral life. I also pray all those who are living far from their homes and families and for peace in God’s war torn world.    
 
Almighty and merciful God,
whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own;
look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger,
homeless and hungry.
Bless those who work to bring them relief;
inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;
and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Canon Ellen

While you're here:
Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.