The service at 1:30 on Sunday will be the first official national service to be held anywhere in recognition of those seeking a safe place of welcome.
Inspired by Christian Aid and Churches Together Great Britain & Ireland, it is hoped that it will become an annual event.
The added significance for the Church is that the city of Birmingham has historically been sanctuary to those seeking refuge, becoming home to various communities from Syria, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Iraq and other places since the 18th Century.
Rev Dr Sharon Prentis, Dean of Black & Minority Ethnic Affairs for the Church of England in Birmingham, told Premier: “Sanctuary Sunday is an opportunity for the church to really be prayerful of those seeking sanctuary for any number of reasons – so migrants who are here because of violence and war and conflict and also those who, for whatever reason, are facing persecution and have sought sanctuary in this country.”
She described the Sunday service: “At the end of refugee week they will hold a service of thanks to celebrate the city’s rich diversity and also to keep remembering that millions of people are in transit around the globe.”
Rev Dr Inderjit Bhogal will be preaching and a variety of community representatives will contribute “as a reflection of Birmingham’s vibrant diversity” said the Church of Birmingham.
“Birmingham…
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