Last week we heard the staggering news that the number of people displaced from their homes owing to violence, conflict or persecution passed 100 million for the first time.

United Nations Report

“It’s a record that should never have been set,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. “This must serve as a wake-up call to resolve and prevent destructive conflicts, end persecution, and address the underlying causes that force innocent people to flee their homes”.

This month in the UK we mark Refugee Week from 20-26 June 2022 and the E-Bulletin Diary Dates highlights a number of events, especially from London Churches (of all denominations), as a means of engaging with the needs arising.

At the request of Bishops Paul McAleenan and Nicholas Hudson, our next Westminster Social Justice and Peace Forum will continue to support these efforts with a coming together to explore our Catholic response to migration, alongside all other sectors of society. This will be our first in-person Forum since the pandemic and we warmly invite you to join us at St Aloysius Church Hall, Euston, on Saturday 17^th September, 10am-1pm, whether you are already involved in accompanying refugees, have personal experience of migration or are newly concerned and wanting to do more. 

Register for ‘To Accompany Refugees’ – 17th September 2022, 10am-1pm

There are many other events to explore, including a day out at Kew Gardens with CAFOD, Caritas and Justice & Peace during the summer holidays on 9^th August and, of course, the NJPN national annual gathering at Swanwick 22^nd-24^th July.

We wish you all an enjoyable few days over the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday.