FORCED LIKE JESUS TO FLEE: WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
Sunday 27th September 2020 marks the 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Pope Francis has chosen the theme, “Forced like Jesus to flee,” to focus on the plight of internally displaced
people.
“Welcome each other, as Christ welcomed you” (Romans 15:7)
In scripture, we read the account of the Holy Family fleeing Herod’s persecution. In every person forced to flee for safety, Jesus is present. In the face of the hungry, the naked and the destitute refugee and migrant, we are called to see the face of Christ who asks for our help.
The United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the right for everyone to seek and enjoy asylum in other countries free from persecution. This right lies at the heart of
contemporary work in this area.
Archdiocesan Working Group
The Archdiocese of St. Andrew and Edinburgh’s Commission for Caritas, Justice and Peace has formed a number of working groups. The Refugees, Migrants and Asylum Seekers sub-group is
committed to:
• Finding ways to work with local parishes and other organisations to make life better for
refugees, asylum seekers and migrants;
• To educate ourselves and others about the problems facing displaced people and to
communicate accurate information which conveys a positive message about the gifts
refugees and migrants can offer;
• To make links with other voluntary and public organisations with a parallel mission.
If you would be interested in joining the Commission’s working group, email m.a.kaikai@ed.ac.uk
Taking Action in Parishes
There are a number of practical steps that you can take as an individual or parish community.
Your parish could consider funding an asylum seeker or failed asylum seeker in need of support through the Refugee Survival Trust, at www.rst.org.uk.
Parish communities may wish to publicise or take part in a Befriending Programme. This could be a specific venture, or part of existing programmes such as soup kitchens or food banks. You can get support and access an online programme by emailing life@thewelcoming.org.
Your parish can join local networks to show support for refugees through the New Scots Connect map and forum which can be found at https://www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/location/https://www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/communities/new-scots-connect/.