A video reflection for Refugee Week

The Revd Canon Andy Bryant, Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care, shares a reflection for Refugee Week.

Watch the video message above and read the full text below.

"What would it take to make you feel you had to leave behind your home, your belongings and everything that is familiar to you? Every refugee and asylum seeker has had to make that difficult decision.

"The UNHCR estimates there are 110 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. 62.5 million are internally displaced within their own country. The rest undertake long and dangerous journeys hoping to find a place of safety and the opportunity to begin again. Along the way they are often exposed to violence and exploitation.

"In the Bible, the experience of being refugees is one of the central stories that shapes God’s relationship with his people. After being held in slavery in Egypt, they finally escape and there follows forty years wandering in the wilderness. Often tested, and often testing God, they have to learn to trust God amidst the uncertainties of their journey.

"When they come finally to the Promised Land, they are told they must never forget their time in the wilderness and, remembering that experience, they should always show a special care and compassion for the stranger in their midst. It was to be one of the hallmarks to show they truly were God’s people.

"June sees the keeping of Refugee Week and at the Cathedral we are displaying the stories of twelve individuals and families that have come to this city, hoping for a new beginning. Whatever may be the right levels of migration for our country, we should never forget the struggles that have forced people to leave their homes, and those coming to us should be received with compassion and generosity.

"Norwich, as a city, has a proud tradition of welcoming strangers, and here at Norwich Cathedral, the care of the stranger has always been at the heart of our Ministry of Welcome.

"The Cathedral started life as the centre of a Benedictine Monastery. In the rule of life followed by the monks, St Benedict wrote: All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for He himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me. The visitor is always to be treated as an honoured guest for in welcoming the stranger we are welcoming Christ."

From 10 to 30 June Norwich Cathedral is presenting a special City of Strangers...City of Stories exhibition sharing stories of people seeking new beginnings in Norwich in conjunction with English+.