The crisis in Ukraine – DEC Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal [from this weekend's Benefice Newsletter]
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Since 24th February, 10 million people have been driven from their homes in Ukraine – 6m people have been internally displaced, of which 3.5m have fled across the border into neighbouring countries such as Poland, Romania, and Moldova. We all remember the Syrian crisis, when 1.5 million refugees were generated by a two-year conflict; we are seeing triple these numbers in the first few weeks of the war in Ukraine. As well as examining our own consciences about our response to this war, when there are refugees from Afghanistan and Syria still living in hotels across the UK – we also need to grasp that this is a humanitarian catastrophe not seen since World War II.
Many of us grew up in the long shadows caused by WWII, our parents telling us stories of hiding in air-raid shelters, saving lives in our cities which were bombed and turned to rubble, brave soldiers and airmen who left home to fight, women who fought in intelligence services and on the front line as nurses and doctors. It feels unfathomable to believe these same things are happening today in Europe.
In Rev Rachel’s last sermon, she talked about the temptation of Jesus in the desert and our own temptations during Lent, saying ‘I suggest that we might think of temptation as being given a choice about whether to do something we know is right even though that means we have to move out of our comfort zone – or choosing not to be bothered.’
On the Diocesan website, Bishop Martin says: “We have taken a decision as a family to open our home... to refugees fleeing the Ukraine. Not everyone will be able to offer rooms in their homes, but there are many ways to help. One of the best ways to help is by donating to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). The Diocese has partnered with World Vision, a member of the DEC and urges people to donate online. We must keep supporting those living in Ukraine too. We need a community-wide response of welcome and support, and I urge everyone to do all they possibly can amid this humanitarian crisis.” The Church of England has produced a toolkit bringing together advice on how individuals, churches and communities can offer practical support. Go to https://cofesuffolk.org/ for more information.
The Sanctuary Foundation, https://www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk/, is providing a service to churches, businesses, communities, and individuals to connect Ukrainians wanting to find temporary sanctuary in the UK.
In Africa there is a phrase which says ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ If we were to consider hosting Ukrainian refugees (mostly mothers and children) in our Benefice, this would need community-wide support and sponsorship.
I would be happy to help co-ordinate a Benefice response, alongside others in the community who may be interested in exploring how we might be able to help. Please get in touch: georgina@brightsideoflife.co.uk