Together, Summer 2026
Creating Communities of Hospitality
This summer marks 75 years since the Refugee Convention promised protection to people forced to flee persecution. That promise matters now more than ever, and yet this newsletter arrives at a deeply sobering moment. As I write, news reports are emerging about the deaths of two women on their journey to seek sanctuary in the UK: the third deadly incident in just over a month. Disturbing scenes are also unfolding in Dunkirk, where children have been forcibly separated from their parents to prevent families boarding boats. And media outlets are reporting that a young man, returned to France under the UK’s ‘one in, one out’ deal, is now at risk of onward removal to Syria, having fled forced conscription and lost contact with his family.
These are not isolated incidents. They are the human cost of policies that leave people with no safe routes to seek protection.
For Christians, the call to welcome is not optional. Catholic Social Teaching begins with the conviction that every person is made in the image of God, and that our responsibility to one another does not stop at borders. To welcome people seeking safety is to recognise Christ in others, and to insist on the dignity and worth of every human life.
That’s why this summer we’re asking you to join us in our campaign to defend asylum, by praying, speaking out, and acting together (pages 4-5). Also in this newsletter, you’ll read some moving reflections from Jonathan, whose legacy will help us advocate for a system that welcomes and protects people seeking sanctuary (page 6), a beautiful reflection on this year’s Refugee Week theme, Courage, by Emma, Director of Pray As You Go (page 7), and some words from refugee friends about the Together March earlier this year (page 8).
As ever, thank you for walking with us. I hope you’ll join us as we speak up for change, making it clear that we choose courage over fear, and hope over hostility.
"At the root of the call of the Gospel to welcome the stranger is that recognition of the value of the human person. That comes from recognising that God is present in everyone" - Archbishop Richard Moth
Take a peek inside...
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Spain's regularisation process
Page 2
Spain has approved an extraordinary regularisation process allowing thousands of undocumented migrants to apply for legal residence and work permits. Ensuring that no one is left in legal limbo is essential for building communities where everyone can live with dignity and contribute meaningfully.
From our kitchen: Enny's Hot Chili
Page 3
Resharing a fan favourite – our signature social drop-in chilli sauce! “Thank you for the wonderful lunch, and for the recipe for the chilli sauce!” – Archbishop Richard Moth
As Christians, we defend asylum
Pages 4-5
As Christians, we are called to welcome the stranger – to build communities where people forced to flee can live in dignity and hope. This summer, we’re calling on Christians across the UK to come together to defend the right to asylum.
A legacy of welcome
Pages 6-7
A great privilege of working with JRS UK is meeting supporters who are determined to build a better future for people seeking sanctuary. For Jonathan, it began with friendship.
Have courage!
Pages 8-9
Emma Hudson, Director of Pray As You Go, reflects on this year’s Refugee Week (15-21 June) theme of Courage.
We marched Together
Page 10
On Saturday 28th March, JRS UK joined thousands of people to call for compassion, dignity, and justice. For many of our refugee friends, the day was deeply moving.
Archbishop Richard visits JRS UK
Page 11
This March, we were honoured to welcome Archbishop Richard to JRS UK. He spent time with refugee friends, listened to their experiences of seeking sanctuary in the UK, and met supporters, volunteers, and staff who walk alongside them.
75 years of the Refugee Convention
Page 11
This March, we were honoured to welcome Archbishop Richard to JRS UK. He spent time with refugee friends, listened to their experiences of seeking sanctuary in the UK, and met supporters, volunteers, and staff who walk alongside them.
Refugee Week performance 2026
Join us for Refugee Week
Join us for our Refugee Week performance of Faith and Hope, a new play by the JRS UK Drama Group
As Christians, we defend asylum. Join us.
Will you help women to access vital support as they navigate the asylum system?
Today, people seeking asylum in the UK are facing laws and policies that deny their dignity. Families are kept apart. People are forced into poverty and isolation. Many live in fear, unable to rebuild their lives even after being recognised as refugees.
As Christians, we cannot accept a system that treats people as problems to be managed rather than neighbours to be welcomed. Together, we can build a society that welcomes, protects, and stands alongside people seeking safety.
