Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees

11/06/2026

Powerful words, violence has no place on our streets 🧡

Statement on demonstrations in Scotland following a knife attack in Belfast.

Rev Sarah Brown, convener of the Public Life and Social Justice programme group of the Church of Scotland, said: “Those who took to the streets yesterday created an atmosphere of intimidation.

“There is nothing to be gained from such actions.

“The knife attack in Belfast was clearly a terrible and frightening incident.

“The Church of Scotland stands in solidarity with the victim and our prayers are with them, their family and friends and the wider community.

“In the face of such violence our response should be a calm and resolute determination to see justice done, according to the law.

“Jesus called us to love our neighbour and to welcome the stranger.

“At a time of growing political extremism, it is even more important that the rights, freedoms and protections of people from religious and racial minority groups are respected.

“All our neighbours living in Scotland should be able to feel safe and welcome here and be able to call it home.”

19/05/2026

It is enourgaing the see the Church of Scotland speaking up for the rights of refugees, and choosing hospitality not hostility 🧡

Church of Scotland members have been urged to welcome refugees into their churches and communities.

The General Assembly in Edinburgh agreed churches should be places of welcome and support for refugees as it also backed a call to help congregations spot signs of modern slavery.

And there was criticism of a march organised by far-right figure Tommy Robinson which was being held in London.

Sally Sheail, Acting Convener of the Church's Public Life and Social Justice Programme Group, said: "Today another ‘Unite the Kingdom' march is taking place, where we hear and see voices using Christian language and symbols to promote ethno-nationalism, cultural dominance and to stir up fear.

"The result is that many migrants, refugees and religious minorities feel threatened and are fearful about their future in the United Kingdom.

"This is not the way of Christ. Jesus reached out to the marginalised and despised. Jesus knew the oppression of living in an occupied country, himself having been a refugee."

Read the full story on the CofS website, link in the comments section below.

23/04/2026

At a time of increasing intolerance and hostility, acts of interfaith solidarity are so important 🕊️🧡

After attempted arson attack, communities are determined to remain resilient and open

14/04/2026

The work of SFAR and Faith Groups across Scotland was recently featured on the New Scots site 🧡🕊️ Read more here:

Faith communities are part of the landscape in towns and villages all over Scotland. Not everywhere will have a refugee charity or group, but most will have a place of worship. And for the past decade, one organisation has been dedicated to bringing these communities together to support people seeki...

07/04/2026

Are you part of a welcoming faith community in Scotland? 🧡

Register for the New Scots Connect map and help refugees find belonging, support & connection near them.

More info here 🔗 https://www.sfar.org.uk/new-scots-connect/

06/03/2026

“When we are possessed by fear of the ‘other’, fear of losing control over our borders, or fear of what refugees show us of the fragility of human structures and ways of life, we are lesser versions of ourselves."

Powerful words by Bishop Snow 🧡

He was responding to comments by the leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, that the bishops had ‘a rather twisted view’ of public opinion

05/03/2026

What is more important than family?

The UK government has announced plans to permanently curtail refugee family reunion. This policy will keep people separated from their loved ones, leaving them trapped in dangerous situations. For faith communities that believe in the sanctity of family this is a grave injustice.

JPIT are encouraging faith leaders to sign a statement calling for these rights to be restored. Click the link below to add your voice.

Families belong together! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🧡🕊️

The government has announced plans to permanently curtail refugee family reunion. If you are a faith leader, please consider adding your name to our letter calling on the Home Secretary to reconsider these proposals, and recognise that every family deserves safety. Refugee family reunion has been a....

05/02/2026

Such a privilege to be there for this conversion between the Church of Scotland Moderator and CEO of the Scottish Refugee Council. At times like these it's so important that faith groups and refugee organisations stand together to protect the values of sanctuary and welcome 🧡🕊️

On Tuesday I was in Glasgow along with Esther Moodie (Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees Co-ordinator) to meet with Sabir Zazai, Chief Executive of the Scottish Refugee Council. The Church of Scotland has maintained a strong partnership with the SRC since the establishment of Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees in 2015.

Our meeting gave me the opportunity to get to know Sabir and hear something of the work of SRC. It was a valuable and informative time and an opportunity for us to reaffirm the Church’s commitment to supporting refugees and asylum seekers and to talk through opportunities for collaboration on advocacy and action.

In recent times we have seen the rise in anti-migrant attitudes and protesting across Scotland. Chants, speeches and placards have frequently contained vitriolic and dehumanising language. People who have built their lives in Scotland now feel fearful for their future here, let alone those in asylum hotels.

The Church has a vital role to play in fostering cohesive communities grounded in mutual respect, where people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds can feel valued, safe and supported. Our congregations play a significant role in providing refugees English language support, social connection, worship and volunteering opportunities.

Esther has recently held meetings with faith groups in Edinburgh and Falkirk. An opportunity to bring local groups together to share ideas of how they can both show solidarity with refugees and be forces for unity and reconciliation within their communities. She would welcome any requests for support and assistance.

04/02/2026

RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY 8TH FEBRUARY

Churches around the UK will be marking this important day, and we wanted to share a useful resource from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.

The Racial Justice Sunday materials offer ideas for prayer, worship and reflection, and help churches and faith groups think about how we respond to racism and injustice in our communities. They feel especially important as people seeking asylum and refuge continue to face hostility and discrimination.

Whether you are planning a service, a discussion, or just want something to reflect on, this resource is a great place to start 🧡🕊️

You can find the CTBI Racial Justice Sunday resource here: https://ctbi.org.uk/resources/racial-justice-sunday-8-february-2026/

In these resources we explore what it really means to love our neighbour, especially given the current narratives of hostility, fear, suspicion and hatred of the ‘other’, particularly asylum seekers, refugees and anyone who is not British or Irish ‘enough’.

29/01/2026

When talking about refugees it's so important to get the facts right. That's why we are so happy to share this new poster resource from City of Sanctuary which sets out some key truths about people seeking sanctuary. Download for free from the link below 🧡🕊️

Your guide to informed, compassionate conversations about asylum. The Facts about Sanctuary provides clear, accessible information about people seeking sanctuary in the UK. But facts alone don’t change hearts and minds. This guide encourages you to bring your own thoughts, experiences, and humanit...