Diocese of Chichester

A training day for church leaders and key church members on welcoming and supporting asylum seekers and refugees within our local church communities.

Over the past four years (since November 2021), our church (St John’s Church, Copthorne) has had the privilege of walking alongside many people seeking refuge from conflict, persecution, and oppression. During this time, we have learned a great deal, often through trial and error, about what faithful, practical, and sustainable welcome can look like in a local church context.

This training day is an opportunity to share those lessons with other churches. It will be rooted in Scripture, shaped by lived experience, and focused on practical tools that churches can adapt to their own settings.

The day will include:

• Theological foundations for welcoming the stranger
• Practical examples from our own experience, including social cafés, English classes, multilingual worship, Alpha, discipleship and baptism preparation
• Working effectively with local agencies and stakeholders
• Supporting individuals with healthcare, education, housing, and advocacy
• Honest conversation about challenges, boundaries, and sustainability

We are delighted to be joined by representatives from Welcome Churches and Empathy Action, as well as local partners and stakeholders who work closely with people seeking asylum.

Who is it for: Church leaders, PCC members, safeguarding leads, pastoral teams, and anyone with responsibility for mission or community engagement

This is about equipping the Church to respond faithfully, wisely, and compassionately to those God has placed among us.

Event details:
Date: Saturday 28 February
Time: 9.30am–2.00pm

Venue: St John’s Church Copthorne, Church Road, Copthorne, West Sussex. RH10 3^RD

^Book here 

We would be very glad if you could join us, and we warmly encourage you to share this invitation with others in your church who may benefit.