Greyfriars Church in Reading has been recognised as a Church of Sanctuary, celebrating its commitment to welcoming and supporting refugees, asylum seekers and others seeking safety and a place to belong in the UK.
During a special Sanctuary Sunday service, Greyfriars Church was presented with a certificate marking its reaccreditation as a Church of Sanctuary, recognising its ongoing commitment to welcoming refugees, asylum seekers and others seeking safety in the UK. City of Sanctuary UK is a national charity that is building a movement of welcome across the UK.
Led by the Revd Rachel Bedford, the service focused on welcome and hospitality, and brought together prayers, stories and reflections highlighting both the challenges faced by people seeking sanctuary and the ways local churches can respond. Fiona, who leads the Sanctuary Drop-in, and Laura, who leads Conversational Kitchen, explained the work that they do and reflected on the realities facing those forced to leave their homes and the importance of creating communities where people can find belonging and hope.
Revd Rachel said:
“Through our Sanctuary Drop-In and Conversational Kitchen, we offer practical support, friendship and opportunities for people to build confidence and community. Whether it's helping someone prepare for work, navigate life in a new country, or simply share a meal together, these small acts can make a significant difference. We are grateful for support from the Diocese of Oxford's Development Fund and for this new funding from City of Sanctuary.”
A central part of the service was the celebration of the church's growing ministry among refugees and asylum seekers. Through a weekly Sanctuary Drop-In and Conversational Kitchen, volunteers offer practical support, friendship and opportunities for English language learning.
Rachel continued:
“Our Sanctuary Drop-in helps people navigate everyday challenges, from creating CVs and preparing for interviews to understanding housing, benefits and postal systems. Conversational Kitchen brings people together around a shared meal, creating opportunities to practise English, build friendships and reduce isolation. We are grateful for support to do this work through the Diocese of Oxford's Development Fund.”
The church also plays a role in the wider Reading Winter Night Shelter partnership, helping to support people experiencing homelessness, including refugees who can find themselves without accommodation after receiving refugee status and leaving asylum accommodation.
During the service, representatives spoke about the significant obstacles many asylum seekers face, both on their journeys to safety and after arriving in the UK. Congregation members also heard a powerful personal testimony from a refugee who spoke about the challenges of being separated from family and adapting to life in a new country, while also reflecting on the welcome and support found through the church community.
Hannah Ling, Social Justice Adviser for the Diocese of Oxford, said:
“Greyfriars has been courageous in doing this work and trusting God to bring it to fruition. I was particularly moved by the reminder of our shared humanity and the common hope Christians find in Christ. Greyfriars demonstrates the important role churches can play in offering practical support, friendship and hope to people rebuilding their lives after displacement and hardship. This recognition as a Church of Sanctuary is a well-deserved celebration of that commitment.”
Rachel asks for prayer for the continued work: "Please pray for more volunteers to support our growing ministry, particularly through Conversational Kitchen and the Sanctuary Drop-In. We would also value prayer as we explore new ways of helping people into employment and supporting them as they encounter Jesus, grow in faith and become part of the local community."