Social Justice pg 12

The offer of sanctuary and welcome is an essential part of our Christian ministry and is as necessary now as it was in Alban’s time – perhaps more so. Increasing numbers of people are driven from their homes by war, oppression and persecution to seek places of safety and security; this demands a compassionate response and practical resources. Many in our area have responded to the crisis in Ukraine by offering homes and support to those fleeing the war and the Diocese of St Albans has set up a dedicated service providing advice and support for churches. More information can be found at Support Ukraine: how you can help - Diocese of St Albans. Churches and local refugee groups are active in supporting asylum-seekers accommodated in Hertfordshire. There are currently over 450 people living in hotels across the county, including around 150 at the Noke, Chiswell Green and 140 at the Holiday Inn, Markyate. While immediate material needs may be met, there is a need to support the emotional and social well-being of those in the hotels. A number of those living at the Noke regularly attend worship at the Cathedral – please help to welcome them, if you can. On a practical level, English conversation groups continue to be offered at the Cathedral and at Greenwood URC [see Helen Bishop’s moving article] alongside English classes at the Noke. Bicycles have been provided for those at the Noke, and these provide a much-needed means of transport and the opportunity for outings and exercise. We would like to be able to increase opportunities for outside activities, including volunteering: if you can help, or have any suggestions, please let us know.

Take action Contact local groups supporting refugees to find out more about local needs. St Albans for Refugees stalbansforrefugees.org Herts Welcomes Refugees hwsf.org.uk Herts for Refugees hertsforrefugees.org Churches Together in St Albans ctstalbans.org.uk

St Albans Cathedral and asylum seekers.

In 2021 the then Sub-Dean Abi Thompson began our support of asylum seekers in Luton. Jo Burke, Curate at All Saints Luton and now Vicar of Flamstead, began a drop–in centre and hosted English conversation groups organised by Bedford Care for Calais. Appeals were made to other churches for clothing and household goods and members of the Abbey congregation responded generously. There was also a request for people to help with English conversation and two of us volunteered, helping in Luton until Christmas 2021.

By then, we learnt of the arrival of asylum seekers in St Albans to be housed at the Noke hotel. Two of the residents came to a morning service. They had very limited English, but were eager to learn, translating on their mobile phones. A group of us, mostly former teachers, thought we could help and after discussion with Dean Jo and Canon Kevin, the English conversation group began in January 2022, meeting once a fortnight in the Offa room. We started with two visitors, and now have a fairly regular group of six to eight young men who come for English conversation and tea and biscuits. The residents of the Noke come from a huge variety of countries – Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Nicaragua, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and now Ukraine. We will continue the group as long as it is needed, God willing.

The conversation group is important not just for the language they are learning but also as a friendly, relaxed environment for people whose lives are full of trauma and uncertainty. The group has, in a wonderful way, been a springboard for other developments, as members of the congregation have offered kindliness, friendship, hospitality, concert tickets and even Easter eggs! The Cathedral is continuing its long tradition of making all welcome.