Statement on Refugees

Pulpit Statement of Refugees for Sunday 13th September
from the Revd Leslie Newton, Superintendent Minister

I am sure we are united in our horror at the plight of so many as the refugee crisis unfolds.

The Circuit Staff and Stewards have discussed this week how we can play our part in responding and we felt it important to update everyone as soon as possible. We are actively involved with ecumenical, community and civic partners to coordinate plans and to ensure that we are as effective as possible in offering support to refugees as and when they are resettled in York.

I am representing the Circuit at various meetings within York and I expect that plans will develop quickly. I hope to be able to offer further information and proposals to the Circuit Council when it meets this coming Wednesday. Christian Aid has launched an appeal specifically in support of the Refugee Crisis and Refugee Action York are also seeking income as they are likely to be a key coordinating group locally. We will explore formalising a Circuit Appeal for this and will give further information as soon as we can. Beyond that, we anticipate that in time we will be appealing for other help and assistance when refugees are relocated to York.

Please do keep this situation in your prayers and pray for our Circuit and others as we work together to make progress.

A prayer, written by Past President of the Methodist Conference, Revd Ruth Gee, after Aylan the 3 year old Syrian child was washed up on a Turkish beach.

Open the eyes of those with power
To see your children in their desperate need;
Open the arms of those in government
To welcome those who come to our shores;
Open the hearts of each one of us:
Move us to sorrow, anger and action
That the salt sea of sorrow
May be turned to soothing waters
And that tears of desperation
May become tears of joy.
O God, help your people.
In the name of Christ.
Amen.