Hundreds of UK churches sign up to support Ukrainian refugees

 (Photo: Channel 4 News)

Over 500 churches have pledged to support Ukrainian refugees coming to the UK under the government's new humanitarian sponsorship route. 

The government scheme will allow Britons to invite Ukrainian refugees into their homes.

The Sanctuary Foundation is asking individuals, community groups, churches, schools and businesses to register their interest in becoming a sponsor of Ukrainians arriving in the UK. 

The Sanctuary Foundation is a partnership between charities, churches and other agencies that has been set up in response to the unfolding humanitarian disaster in Ukraine.

It is led by Dr Krish Kandiah, who has been heavily involved in Welcome Churches and Afghan Welcome, two initiatives supporting people coming to the UK from Hong Kong and Afghanistan.

The foundation's vision is for the UK to become "a sanctuary for those fleeing injustice and war". 

Individuals and organisations can get involved by welcoming a Ukrainian family to live in the local community, finding and furnishing accommodation, fundraising to financially support refugee families, and volunteering to befriend new arrivals and help them with integration.

Over 2,000 companies, churches and individuals have pledged their help so far. 

St Ebbe's Church, Oxford, is one of over 500 churches to have signed up as a sponsor.

"The Bible is clear that welcoming the stranger is part of our calling as Christians," said Rector Vaughan Roberts.

"Therefore@StEbbesChurch is delighted to pledge to be a community sponsor to support a Ukrainian family to come to the UK We urge you to pledge to sponsor a family too." 

News
New Edinburgh memorial honours mission school matron killed in Auschwitz
New Edinburgh memorial honours mission school matron killed in Auschwitz

A brass plaque has been laid in honour of a Church of Scotland school matron who died in Auschwitz during the Second World War.

Jordan raising $100M for construction of first century village ahead of 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism
Jordan raising $100M for construction of first century village ahead of 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan — named after the Jordan River and ruled by pro-Western King Abdullah II — is organizing a major global celebration marking the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s baptism.

Pro-life group: end of two-child benefit cap will save more unborn babies from abortion
Pro-life group: end of two-child benefit cap will save more unborn babies from abortion

The benefits cap may have been a factor in some women's decisions to have an abortion.

Spotlight falls on discrimination against Christians in Turkey as Pope visits
Spotlight falls on discrimination against Christians in Turkey as Pope visits

A report by the European Centre for Law and Justice documents the continuing difficulties faced by Turkey’s Christian minority.