Every year, Bishop Gregor Duncan chooses a worthy cause as the recipient for offerings from congregations across his diocese during Lent. In the lead up to Easter, churches in the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway kindly donated to support refugees to have a brighter future in Scotland.
During Lent 2017, 62 churches from the Scottish Episcopal Church raised an amazing £12,475 in support of Scottish Refugee Council.
Sabir Zazai caught up with Bishop Gregor to thank him for the generous support from the Glasgow and Galloway Diocese, and to find out more about his motivations to support Scottish Refugee Council through the Bishop Appeal.
Bishop Gregor was delighted that worshipers were able to raise such a huge amount for a cause close to the heart of all faith communities in Scotland. They wanted to give to a Scottish organisation that supports people who have experienced times of distress and are still unsure of what the future holds. He believes the refugee crisis has put humanity to the test and that faith groups are responding by standing in solidarity with those that have been forced to flee their homes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtLdok3Ccxc&feature=youtu.be
The response of faith groups and leaders is phenomenal and shows we are not alone in supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland. Faith groups send a strong message that communities care and want to give new arrivals a warm welcome into their new community. The support we receive from faith groups around Scotland is fundamental to our work, not only for fundraising, but also to raise awareness and create a friendly environment in which refugees feel welcome.
We encourage other faith groups to get in touch if they would like to find out more about our work with asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland. There are lots of ways your faith group can get involved, whether it be through donations, attending events or campaigning to support the rights of refugees in Scotland. With the support of faith groups, together we can help make a lasting difference to refugees in Scotland.
Five important ways are to help Scottish Refugee Council
- Donate – text RFGE31 £10 to 70070;
- Fundraise – check out our website for ideas;
- Campaign – sign up to our e-newsletter via the website;
- Volunteer – a few spare hours a week can make a huge difference – email us at volunteering@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk
- Join us – become a member funding@scottishrefugecouncil.org.uk
