Refugees From Syria Have Been Through Some Of Worst Suffering In World, Says Archbishop Of Canterbury

The Archbishop of Coventry has praised the exceptional welcome given to refugees by Coventry.

And he said the city, where he spent years working at the cathedral on peace and reconciliation, had been a key influence in shaping his ministry.

Archbishop Justin Welby was visiting the Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre, where a banner proclaims: "Refugees welcome here".

The aim is to give very individual who arrives fleeing war, persecution and conflict to be able to find peace and sanctuary.

They also receive help with finding housing, employment, education and becoming part of the community.

The centre is used by people from many parts of the world including Sudan, Congo, Eritrea and Syria.

The Archbishop was moved by the work of the staff.

In an interview with BBC Coventry he spoke of the "excitement" of the centre and the welcome offered by the "vibrant and innovative" city, which has taken in 160 Syrian refugees, the largest number in Britain.

"Coventry has a tradition of doing this. It is known as the city of peace and reconciliation. These are people who are coming from some of the worst suffering anywhere in the world at present. I know that this is a city that will enable them both to be welcomed but will find that they contribute hugely to the future of the city."

Welby, who spent many years working in the cathedral in reconciliation ministry, said it had been a key "shaping" influence on his life and ministry. 

Sabir Zazai, director of the centre, himself a former refugee, tweeted:

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