Refugee Week 2022
In our Christian social responsibility in our world and in Ireland today, we recognise:
Jesus was a refugee.
Those seeking refuge are at the very heart of God’s compassion.
That we are called to stand up for the dignity and rights of the refugee.
The causes of the reasons why people become refugees: war, persecution, famine, climate change, poverty. We need to speak out and act against these things where possible.
That we are a refugee people who depended on others in past decades and centuries.
Our need to support those who are refugees in other countries, recognising that being on an island we could be shielded from many crises elsewhere.
Our responsibility to provide refuge in Ireland, South and North, in our local community and maybe our own home.
That aspects of present EU and UK policy are inhuman.
That the dignity and rights of those seeking asylum in Ireland must be upheld.
That refugees of every differing racial, cultural or religious backgrounds need refuge.
The skills and gifts that all bring to our society. We celebrate these.