Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrant Workers

Bank Holiday Monday 4th May Strangers into Citizens is holding a National Rally in Trafalgar Square calling for justice for migrants. Strangers into Citizens is a national campaign calling for a one-off regularisation of long-term irregular migrants in the UK. There are an estimated 500,000 irregular migrants in the UK. They face exploitation and uncertainty. They want to work, integrate and be able to contribute to life in the UK as full members of our society.

The rally will be preceded by a Mass for Migrants at Westminster Cathedral and, for the first time, by other faith gatherings in central places of worship.
Confirmed religious services include:
10am Free Church Gospel Service Central Hall Westminster
10am Latin American Service Christian Church London,
      Fusion Centre, 22 Elephant & Castle
10.15am Chinese Service Soho Outreach Centre,
     166A Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8JB
10.30am Roman Catholic “Mass for Migrants”
     Westminster Cathedral, SW1P 1QW
11am Strangers into Citizens Anglican service with
     Bishop Tom Butler, Bishop of Southwark
     at St. Margaret’s Church, Parliament Square, SW1P 3PA

11.30am meet Tothill Street SW1 for Walk to Trafalgar Square for 12noon Rally
Full details
http://www.strangersintocitizens.org.uk/pages/get-involved/rally-4-may.htm  

Justice and Peace Conference for all denominations
17–19 July at Hayes Conference Centre
On the Road Together, A~Mazed by Migration.
www.justice-and-peace.org.uk T: 020 7901 4864


Notre Dame Refugee Centre 5 Leicester Place off Leicester Square
Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or goods can be left with the Parish at the weekend when there is no congestion charge.
Helps destitute asylum seekers with legal, health and general advice.
Urgently need men's clothes and baby clothes, nappies and toiletries.
You can also buy supermarket vouchers (Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys) from them so that refugees can have the cash to choose what they buy and where.
T: 020 7440 2660/1, E: drop-in@notredamerc.org.uk

Jesuit Refugee Service
Also run Voucher Exchange scheme.

Diocese of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission Annual Day
This year the topic was Migration.
Neil Jameson, director of London Citizens, talked about grassroots organising of support for the poorest people in our communities, often working for low pay and without documentation. Jon Cruddas, a Catholic and MP for Barking and Dagenham explained how ethnic minorities, including native English, are often pitted against each other in areas where resources are thinnest.  His concerns about the political system were balanced with hopeful examples of people of faith reaching out to those struggling in this rich capital?  Practical workshops gave opportunities for ideas and discussion. And drama group, Ice-and-Fire, brought home the issues in a powerful way. The day started with a reflection and concluded with a short prayer service in the church.

Last updated 2/5/09