A joyful celebration of Welcome and Sanctuary
Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees was delighted to co-host an ecumenical service celebrating welcome and sanctuary. The service was held in as part of refugee Festival Scotland and focused on our shared values welcoming the stranger and providing sanctuary for those in need.
Around 90 people attended the service at The Immaculate Conception Church in Maryhill, Glasgow attendees came from countries including Iran, El Salvador, Philippians, Nigeria, Ukraine, Uganda and Eritrea, and represented Churches including the Church of Scotland, Catholic Church, Scottish Episcopal Church, Methodist Church, Quakers, Salvation Army and others
The event, which featured songs, poems and prayer, was led by Father Jim Lawlor of the host church and Father Andriy Chornenko of the Ukrainian Catholic Parish of Glasgow, offered a powerful reflection after the Gospel of the Good Samaritan reminding us of Jesus’ call to “go and do likewise” for the stranger in our midst.
Two young people, Ruth and Rita from Immaculate Conception Church, Ruth and Rita, shared their experience of finding sanctuary, security and welcome here in Scotland.
Esther Moodie, co-ordinator of the Scottish Faiths Action For Refugees, challenged the congregation to consider how we as churches can get involved in refugee integration.
“It was such a joy to gather with members of churches across Glasgow to worship and pray together,” she said. Hospitality is such a key value of the Christian faith.”
“The Bible is clear that we are called to welcome the stranger and provide sanctuary for those in need. We are so grateful for the Maryhill churches for hosting us and for welcoming refugees and New Scots into their community for more than 25 years.”
The service was followed by food generously prepared by community members and included dishes from places such as El Salvador and the Philippines.
The event was part of Refugee Festival Scotland, 13-22 June, a celebration of the food and drink, music and poetry, art, dance, language and ideas that people bring with them when they settle in Scotland.
If you would be interested in hosting a service like this in your church please reach out to Esther at rmoodie@churchofscotland.org.uk
Images by and copyright of Paul McSherry 07770 393960 paulmcsherry2020@gmail.com @Paulmcsherry2. Immaculate Conception, Maryhill, Glasgow, Together for Sanctuary, 19th June 2025.
