Churches praised for welcoming new Scots into their community for more than 25 years

Around 90 people from countries including Iran, El Salvador, Philippians, Nigeria, Ukraine, Uganda and Eritrea attended the service at The Immaculate Conception Church in Maryhill, Glasgow.

The event, which featured songs, poems and prayer, was led by Father Jim Lawlor, formerly of St Kessog’s Church in Balloch, and now of the host church and Father Andriy Chornenko of the Ukrainian Catholic Parish of Glasgow, offered a powerful reflection after the Gospel of the Good Samaritan reminding us of Jesus’ call to “go and do likewise” for the stranger in our midst.

Esther Moodie, co-ordinator of the Scottish Faiths Action For Refugees, challenged the congregation to consider how we as churches can get involved in refugee integration.

“It was such a joy to gather with members of churches across Glasgow to worship and pray together,” she said.

“Hospitality is such a key value of the Christian faith.

“The Bible is clear that we are called to welcome the stranger and provide sanctuary for those in need.

“We are so grateful for the Maryhill churches for hosting us and for welcoming refugees and New Scots into their community for more than 25 years.”

The service was followed by food generously prepared by community members, including Vale of Leven man Bob Doris, the SNP MSP for  Maryhill,  and included dishes from places such as El Salvador and the Philippines.

Christians believe we are all made in God’s image and Jesus Christ himself was a refugee.

The narrative in Matthew 2:13-15 describes how Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus were forced to leave Bethlehem and seek refuge in Egypt to avoid King Herod’s massacre of male babies.

The event was part of Refugee Festival Scotland, 13-22 June, a celebration of the food and drink, music and poetry, art, dance, language and ideas that people bring with them when they settle in Scotland.

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