Pope Francis and Plymouth City of Sanctuary

The City of Sanctuary network is part of a mainstream, grassroots movement working towards building a culture of welcome, hospitality and inclusiveness across every sphere and sector of society, so that wherever people seeking sanctuary (asylum seekers and refuges) go they will feel safe, find people who welcome them and understand why they are here, and have opportunities to be included in all activities https://cityofsanctuary.org/about/

Plymouth City of Sanctuary had its launch during Refugee Week in June. Exeter, Bournemouth and Poole are already Cities of Sanctuary and Cornwall is a ‘County of Sanctuary’. It is not just geographical communities that have an opportunity to sign pledges and take practical action towards becoming places of sanctuary, however. Organisations such as Universities, businesses, community associations, schools and churches can all become accredited. St Nicholas of Tolentino in the Clifton Diocese was one of the first churches of sanctuary.

Pope Francis concludes:

‘In a word, it is not only the cause of migrants that is at stake; it is not just about them, but about all of us, and about the present and future of the human family. Migrants, especially those who are most vulnerable, help us to read the “signs of the times”. Through them, the Lord is calling us to conversion, to be set free from exclusivity, indifference and the throw-away culture. Through them, the Lord invites us to embrace fully our Christian life and to contribute, each according to his or her proper vocation, to the building up of a world that is more and more in accord with God’s plan.’

For more details about how you can become involved contact:

Mary Conway: mary.conway@prcdtr.org.uk

Zoe Oldman: zoe.oldman@prcdtr.org.uk

Article by: Mary Conway