Refugee Week 2025

It has been great to host Paddington at the Cathedral during May and to see not only children but plenty of the “young at heart” enjoying having their picture taken with him.

I used to love the Paddington stories when I was small and, as we approach Refugee Week, it has been good to be reminded of the young bear from darkest Peru looking for a new family and a home in a strange country. Whether Paddington could be classed as a refugee, asylum seeker or migrant worker is besides the point, he is someone vulnerable in need of welcome and support.

This Refugee Week we have the opportunity to show our “community superpower”, our solidarity and unity with those seeking sanctuary from war or persecution. Chester City of Sanctuary are running a campaign which you can find out more about here. There are also some great mythbusters included that are well worth reading and sharing. 

The Judaeo-Christian tradition is very clear about how strangers, foreigners and refugees should be treated with kindness and compassion. “When a foreigner lives with you in your land, don’t take advantage of him. Treat the foreigner the same as a native. Love him like one of your own. Remember that you were once foreigners in Egypt. I am God, your God.” (Leviticus 19.33-34, The Message) 

This is not to say that is always easy. There are complex needs to contend with, experiences of trauma to work through and all kinds of difference to navigate. But the clear message is that ultimately nations are judged by their welcome towards those who are different, not least because it could happen to any one of us.

As a Cathedral of Sanctuary here at Chester, we want to be known as a place where difference can be encountered, navigated and embraced. We are looking forward to hosting and being part of a number of events this Refugee Week as we commit to our “community superpower”. You can see all the events taking place across the city in the digital brochure here.

Thursday 12 June | Under Peter Walker’s stunning Peace Doves we will be hosting an amazing new production entitled ‘Wings of the Sky’

Saturday 14 June at 12pm and 1.30pm | A talented young Ukrainian dance group will perform ‘Seeking Sanctuary’ under the Peace Doves

Sunday 15 June at 3pm | Special evensong to mark the start of Refugee Week

Wednesday 17 June at 4pm | Public performance of ‘Refuge Island’

Thursday 18 June at 6.45pm | Assemble for Refugee Week - Conversations with refugees: Reclaiming the narrative 

Throughout the next few weeks we are also delighted to be part of the City of Sanctuary A-Z Trail with artwork from students at Bishop’s High School. Wherever we come from, and whatever our experiences have been, we can commit to journeying together towards a better future. In the words of former Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, “The challenge today is not to get people thinking alike, but to get them to think together.”

A Prayer from the Church of England for Refugees

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.