LICHFIELD DISTRICT CITY OF SANCTUARY: 2023-4
Part of the genius of the City of Sanctuary movement, which has now over 120
branches across the country is the establishment of ‘Streams of Sanctuary’,
which include schools, councils, libraries, surgeries – to name but a few! In
2022 the LDCOS Board of Trustees endorsed a suggestion by the Action Group
to approach the churches of Lichfield and the local mosque with a view to
becoming ‘Faith Places of Sanctuary’. Five churches responded plus the
mosque* and were invited to send representatives to an initial meeting, when
Gerard Goshawk, minister of Erdington Baptist Church (first recognised UK
Faith Place of Sanctuary) shared the experience of his church. He said: By
saying that we are a church of sanctuary, more opportunities to serve,
advocate and celebrate hope have come our way. Subsequently,
representatives of these congregations met together over a nine-month period
to consider what this would mean for us, using Inderjit Bhogal’s book,
‘Hospitality and Sanctuary for All’**. We learned what it means to seek and
make welcome those seeking sanctuary. We recognised also that this is a two-
way experience.. not only about giving but receiving; that we are challenged
and enriched by giving hospitality to the stranger. Each Church Council then
agreed to the principles set out in the Birmingham Declaration, the national
City of Sanctuary gave its endorsement and awards were presented to the
congregations during February-April at main services. It was emphasised that ,
‘this is not a sign that we have arrived but declares our commitment to what it
means to be a Faith Place of Sanctuary.’ We are the first CoS branch in the
country to have different denominations recognised in this way.
During the year we have continued to support refugee families from Syria,
Afghanistan and Ukraine. Warm places of Welcome; financial provision for
English classes; day outings at Beaudesert Park, Sudbury Hall, with others
planned. We have especially encouraged our Ukrainian friends in their seeking
to become an institution. We marked the day of penance for slavery in
December, beginning outside Samuel Johnson House and a walk through the
city,ending at Cruck House with its memorial to Samuel Barber. With a
membership now nearing 80,we’re learning all the time and always looking for
volunteers! Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like further information.
Warren Bardsley (Chair, Board of Trustees) w.bardsley39@btinternet.com
*St Chad’s,Wade St,Methodist, QuakerMtg, RC Church, Lichfield Mosque
**Rev Dr Inderjit Bhogal, Founder of the City of Sanctuary Movement, who
visited us in June last year.