Churches offer homes for Ukraine
Diocese of Llandaff and Citizens Cymru are working together to offer homes to Ukrainians fleeing the war in Ukraine. Christoph Auckland, Senior Outreach Officer, tells us more.
The world was united in shock in February when the Russian Federation launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine. For two long months now the people of Ukraine have been under increasingly intensive attack, and a humanitarian crisis has developed both within Ukraine and on it's western borders as thousands of civilians seek safety from the fighting.
“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13.1-2
In March the Diocese of Llandaff put out an appeal, partnering with our friends at Citizens Cymru, for volunteers across the diocese who may be willing to offer a spare room for Ukrainian refugees, or to form a Croeso group to welcome them when they arrive. We were overwhelmed with the response, with 30 families offering nearly 50 rooms across the diocese.
Citizens Cymru, through its parent body Citizens UK, is working with leading global organisations working in Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, Romania and elsewhere to support overwhelmed refugees to find safety in the UK. We’re assessing the homes offered in the diocese to ensure their suitability, and beginning the process of matching these families with Ukrainian’s seeking sanctuary with Citizens UK – meaning we might welcome over 100 Ukrainians here in Llandaff in the next few months.
We’re assessing the homes offered in the diocese to ensure their suitability
I have genuinely been humbled by the phenomenal response from ordinary people across the diocese. The Bible has much to say about hospitality for strangers, putting our faith into action to transform their lives. Seeing that happen in our communities on such a scale is phenomenal.
But we can do more – whether it’s raising our voices in the pursuit of justice for those seeking sanctuary in Wales, or offering a welcome to those arriving here. We want to see a Croeso team in every ministry area to support host families and to develop our support networks for refugees, migrants and asylum seekers even more.
If you’re interested in supporting a Croeso team in your area, or campaigning with the diocese for justice for those seeking sanctuary in Wales, please contact Christoph Auckland at christophauckland@churchinwales.org.uk