Dictionary

Words on this page

Anglican

Anglicans form the family of Christians closely related to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Whilst tracing their inheritance back to Christ and the earliest Christians and to the ancient Roman Catholic church, the sixteenth century Reformation was a crucial moment for Anglicanism.

Evangelism

‘Evangelion’ means ‘good news’. Evangelism is about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection in the hope that others may come to believe in and follow Jesus.

Llandaff Centre of Mission

A partnership between the Diocese of Llandaff and Church Army.

Home News and Blogs Compassion for Refugee Week Inspires Primary Schools

Compassion for Refugee Week Inspires Primary Schools

News Posted: 9 June 2023

Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of people seeking sanctuary.

It’s been running in the UK since 1998. This year is its 25th Anniversary. The theme is compassion and throughout the week from 19th – 25th June, St Mary the Virgin Church will be celebrating what compassion looks like in action.

Fr Dean Atkins, lead of South Cardiff Anglican churches and vicar of St Mary’s said, “Last year, we worked in partnership with St Mary the Virgin (Church in Wales) Primary School. It was moving, emotional, energetic and fun! This year, we are building on this to bring you something even more amazing!” See St Mary’s Church programme here (pdf download).

Headteacher of St Mary’s School Nicki Pritchard said, “At St Mary the Virgin Church in Wales Primary School we are proud of our School of Sanctuary status – it truly reflects our Intentions of Quality, Diversity, Faith and Flourishing. With Refugee Week coming up, together with St Mary’s Church and our local community, we have a range of wonderful events happening throughout the week.”

Last year for the launch of The Great Get Together and More in Common in Cardiff as well as Refugee Week, our School of Sanctuary Steering Committee (6 pupils from Years 5 & 6) wrote a beautiful poem called ‘A Sanctuary Alphabet – Zig Zag Journey’. The words and feeling behind it are so special that a film of the poem has been made. The video was filmed around the community of Butetown – starting at the Betty Campbell statue and ending at the Ghandi statue.

On Wednesday 21st June St Mary the Virgin school will be showing the World Premiere of the film in a ‘red carpet' event, starting at 3:00 p.m. with refreshments outside St Mary’s Church (weather permitting). Guests should be seated from 3:30 p.m. to hear some guest speakers as well as the main event, the film.

Also this Refugee Week, children from primary schools in Penarth will be part of an interactive programme on the theme of compassion around the world. They will be discussing questions such as ‘How important do you think it is to know someone’s name?’, hearing stories from refugees today including singer Rita Ora, historical examples like Albert Einstein and examples in the Bible.

The sessions will be led by Diocesan Youth Evangelism Enabler Rev’d Steve Lock in for years 3 and 5 at Victoria Primary School, years 3 and 5 at Fairfield Primary School and year 5 at Evenlode Primary. The programme will also extend to outside physical education sessions.