Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees
Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees (SFAR) is a partnership project which seeks to co-ordinate and promote action by faith communities in Scotland to support asylum seekers and refugees.
People across the world have watched in horror as the stories of refugees and their treatment by politicians and societies has failed to live up to their own principles of hospitality and helping those in need.
All religions teach a form of the Golden Rule (treat others as you would wish to be treated) and that our common humanity transcends national, racial, cultural, or linguistic barriers.
The Church of Scotland resolved to establish a refugee co-ordination project in 2015 as a response to the refugee crisis and as a way to harness the outpouring of goodwill and desire to act which was being expressed by many congregations across the country. The Church of Scotland approached the other major faith groups in Scotland, which agreed to share in the work of co-ordination and support.
We are working with Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and interfaith groups, and through our commitment to each other seek to demonstrate that by building on common values we have our own story to tell of hospitality.
We work in partnership with the Scottish Government (in line with the ‘New Scots' refugee integration strategy), the Scottish Refugee Council as well as local government and charities including Amnesty International, the British Red Cross, Oxfam, and Christian Aid.
Sanctuary in Scotland booklet
Sanctuary in Scotland is a guide providing information on refugee issues for faith groups in Scotland. It includes facts and figures, definitions, current issues and ideas for practical action by and for faith communities in Scotland.
This resource is made available for free and is funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund.
You can also make a request for printed copies.
God With Us booklet
God With Us is a set of free worship resources on the theme of refugees, migration and sanctuary. We have created this resource in ecumenical partnership with Churches Together In Britain And Ireland for clergy, church leaders and worship leaders of all Christian faiths to use.
Within the booklet, you will find material for prayer and worship relating to the theme of refugees. We offer it as inspiration for people looking for ideas. It contains Bible studies that could be used to aid reflection in public worship or by small groups. There are also offerings of prayers for intercession, thanksgiving and for special occasions. We make suggestions for hymns, songs, chants and music that could be appropriate. There are ideas for children's talks, school assemblies or group discussion activities. And, throughout, we share personal stories and poetry - which we invite you to use for your own personal devotion or as part of a church service.
You can also make a request for printed copies.