St Michael’s and Refugees

In recent years more than 50 million people have been uprooted from their homes and seek refuge. Less than 1% of these come to Britain, while over 80% of refugees remain in neighbouring countries, with the hope of returning to their homes.

Others take long and difficult journeys escaping the devastation of war, famine, natural and man-made disasters. When people have left their homes, families, and familiar surroundings they are grateful for welcoming hospitality and compassionate concern shown to them in a place of sanctuary.

Britain has provided sanctuary over hundreds of years to refugees from religious persecution, war and oppression.

Here, in Milton Keynes, we have over recent years settled 90 people from the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme. St Michael’s parishioners have been generous in their practical support for families who have been resettled, but there is still more to be done and once this current pandemic is under control, we can open up a discussion as to a future role for St Michael’s and Woburn Sands.