The Church of England has published a ‘toolkit’ of resources for parishes seeking to help refugees and evacuees from Ukraine in the wake of the Russian invasion of the country. The material, available online on the Church of England website, brings together advice on how churches can welcome people arriving from Ukraine through giving, longer-term practical support such as community sponsorship, prayer and advocacy, as well as links to other sources of information including safeguarding. The diocese has also set up an online giving page for those who wish to donate to charities supporting those impacted by the conflict.
In a foreword to the toolkit, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell, say that The Church calls on “all people of goodwill to join in prayer for the people of Ukraine and to work practically to support them in their hour of need. We have been inspired by the warm response from churches and community groups.”
The toolkit includes a brief guide to what is happening in Ukraine and the humanitarian response, together with details of organisations and appeals. It also contains information on how parishes and individuals can take action to support those arriving both through the family visa scheme and the humanitarian sponsor scheme, advocacy and prayer and theological resources for churches.
Commenting on the online giving page, Bishop Ruth says, “We recognise that many people want to help in a host of ways and one of the best ways we can help is by offering financial support. In their toolkit, the Church of England identifies two charities who are making a difference to those affected by the crisis; the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and the USPG-Diocese in Europe Emergency Appeal. By hosting a diocesan online donation platform we hope to make it easy for our church communities to donate to these charities and support their vital work.”
The Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal is supported by a number of charities including Christian Aid, the ecumenical relief and development agency of the British and Irish churches. Your gift will help provide food, bedding and temporary accommodation for people who have fled the conflict in Ukraine. USPG-Diocese in Europe Emergency Appeal is looking to support the front line work of chaplaincies across Europe as well as Christian charities carrying out humanitarian work both in Ukraine and responding to the arrival of refugees in neighbouring countries.
Donate to the diocesan appeal
And download the poster to promote the appeal where you are. Download the QR code to print in newsletters and parish magazines.
Find out more about the Church of England toolkit
Pray
Add your prayer to our prayer wall. Resources including prayers and readings chosen for prayer services for Ukraine.