Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees

01/10/2026

October is UK Black History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Black people to our communities and society, while reflecting on our ongoing journey towards racial justice. CTBI has created a helpful resource pack for churches. Have a read and think about what your church might do this October.

Get ready for Black History Month - October 2026. Resources are available to download.

17/09/2026

Community members and church leaders in Thurso are fighting to protect a much loved member of their community.

Refugees like Sam are such a blessing to their community, yet instead of celebrating this story of integration, our immigration system would tear him away from his home. This is such an injustice and Sam and the people of Thurso deserve better.

We know there is a better way, one where towns like Thurso can be a sanctuary for people in need, and where people like Sam can rebuild their lives in peace and security 🧡

A Thurso asylum seeker facing deportation to Sri Lanka has inspired a growing community of fellow countrymen to join him.

10/09/2026

Getting the facts right. Everyone deserves a safe home to call their own 🏠🧡

03/09/2026

Interfaith Week is a great time to celebrate the joy and connection that can come from welcoming refugees into our communities.

Could your faith group run an event this year? 🧡🧡🧡

Week of action alert! 🧡

Stronger Together for Inter Faith Week takes place from 8-15 November to celebrate the connections made across faiths and communities when we welcome refugees. Let's show the real story in our communities - one of unity and friendship. Because together, we are stronger 🧡

Be part of it, save the date!

31/08/2026

"People Make Glasgow" is such a wonderful reminder of what makes Glasgow such a special city. It is a disgrace that the actions of a some are making the city a less welcoming and friendly place for black and brown Glaswegians.

As people of faith, we are called to stand against hate, speak up for the dignity of every person, and extend a genuine welcome to our neighbours. In a time when fear and division can easily take root, our faith communities have an important role to play in fostering friendship, solidarity and hope. 🧡🕊️

The city that used to be full of kind strangers is increasingly witnessing racist disorder. I hope it can find its way back to its old friendliness, says human rights lawyer and farmer Sanghmitra Singh

27/08/2026

Each year, the Catholic Church marks the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which in 2026 will take place on Sunday 27 September. This annual day invites Christians to pray, reflect and take action in solidarity with people who have been forced to leave their homes.

Pope Leo XIV has announced that the theme for 2026 will be “Even just one of these children”, highlighting the experiences of young people affected by migration and displacement and reminding us of our responsibility to welcome and protect every child.

As churches begin planning for September, this year's theme reminds us of our commitment to being communities of welcome and standing alongside children seeking sanctuary.

Read more:

Pope Leo XIV releases the theme for the 2026 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which focuses on the need for pastoral care for minors on the move.

28/07/2026

We joined with faith leaders across the UK to call for a fresh start on asylum and immigration. People fleeing wars and persecution deserve the chance to rebuild their lives, and when they are everyone benefits. Together we are calling Andy Burnham to lead with compassion, and create a better, fairer system for refugees 🧡

16/07/2026

"Every word of encouragement, every opportunity and every act of kindness gives me more strength and confidence to keep going.”

Faith communites have such an important role to play in supporting and encouraging refugees. By working together we can create a Scotland that is welcoming for everyone 🧡

Ambassadors for last week's Refugee Festival Scotland say support from Scots has given them strength in the face of anti-migrant intimidation

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.