For over two years, we have kept a minute’s silence every Thursday at 5.30pm evensong to remember all those involved in the war in Ukraine.
We are delighted to be displaying in Refugee Week the beautiful thank-you banner from Winchester’s Ukrainian community to the local Churches.
This year, Refugee Week began with a special Evensong service on Sunday 16 June for members of the Hong Kong community who have sought asylum in Hampshire in the past three years. Following the introduction of the new national security laws by the Chinese Government in 2020, the UK government launched a safe route for Hong Kong British Nationals (overseas) to work and study in the UK. In 2021 the UK government awarded a grant to the City Life Church in Southampton to support its programme for education and action for refugees (CLEAR), recognising the role that the host community has in effective integration. The Hong Kong Welcome Programme offers events and opportunities for the Hong Kong community to support one another and also to meet people in Hampshire and to learn more about art, culture, civic responsibility and social engagement. Canon Tess said, ‘the Cathedral was pleased to host a special service of choral evensong to welcome the Hong Kong community to Hampshire and to find a place where souls can be at rest and prayers can be offered. In a deeply moving service attended by the Bishop of Southampton, Rev. Paul Woodman preached on the Audacity of Hope and prayers were led by members of the Hong Kong community.’
Above: Photo taken at the Evensong for members of Hong Kong community, June 2024.
Weeks highlighting different themes come and go, but I commend Refugee Week for its highly imaginative approach to highlighting issues which are all-too rapidly politicised, leaving the human scale behind. As the website says: Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Established in 1998 in the UK, this annual festival aligns with World Refugee Day, celebrated globally on June 20th. There are many opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect beyond labels, and foster a deeper understanding of why people are displaced, and the challenges they face when seeking safety. For example, the University of Winchester is hosting a day conference for those involved as school, college and university staff called, ‘Our Home in Education’.Canon Roly Riem
Almighty and merciful God,
whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own;
look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger,
homeless and hungry.
Bless those who work to bring them relief;
inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;
and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
