Refugees From Syria Have Been Through Some Of Worst Suffering In World, Says Archbishop Of Canterbury

The Archbishop of Canterbury with refugees at the Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre Coventry diocese

The Archbishop of Coventry has praised the exceptional welcome given to refugees by Coventry.

And he said the city, where he spent years working at the cathedral on peace and reconciliation, had been a key influence in shaping his ministry.

Archbishop Justin Welby was visiting the Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre, where a banner proclaims: "Refugees welcome here".

The aim is to give very individual who arrives fleeing war, persecution and conflict to be able to find peace and sanctuary.

They also receive help with finding housing, employment, education and becoming part of the community.

The centre is used by people from many parts of the world including Sudan, Congo, Eritrea and Syria.

The Archbishop was moved by the work of the staff.

In an interview with BBC Coventry he spoke of the "excitement" of the centre and the welcome offered by the "vibrant and innovative" city, which has taken in 160 Syrian refugees, the largest number in Britain.

"Coventry has a tradition of doing this. It is known as the city of peace and reconciliation. These are people who are coming from some of the worst suffering anywhere in the world at present. I know that this is a city that will enable them both to be welcomed but will find that they contribute hugely to the future of the city."

Welby, who spent many years working in the cathedral in reconciliation ministry, said it had been a key "shaping" influence on his life and ministry. 

Sabir Zazai, director of the centre, himself a former refugee, tweeted:

and:

News
English Heritage accused of whitewashing Christianity from Easter
English Heritage accused of whitewashing Christianity from Easter

One visitor to an English Heritage site took exception to what he called the “whitewashing” of history.

US criticised for failing to bring up religious freedom in Iran talks
US criticised for failing to bring up religious freedom in Iran talks

The USA has failed to bring up religious freedom in its engagement with Iran

US missionary kidnapped at gunpoint is rescued unharmed
US missionary kidnapped at gunpoint is rescued unharmed

Five days after he was kidnapped by armed men from his church in Motherwell, South Africa, Tennessee missionary Josh Sullivan was rescued and “miraculously unharmed” following a “high-intensity shootout” that left three people dead.

Will Christian movies ever make an impact in the UK?
Will Christian movies ever make an impact in the UK?

More recently, I’ve enjoyed Christian movies Unsung Hero and Jesus Revolution on limited release in the UK, but it’s rare for such films to make the multiplex chains.