The Church of England has published a toolkit for parishes and individuals seeking to respond to the growing refugee crisis from Ukraine.
You can download it here
Meanwhile, we answer some of your questions about how you can support the crisis.
Some queries about the refugee crisis.
We have a number of questions and queries from individuals and parishes who wish to respond to the call to support Ukrainian refugees
Can empty/vacant parsonages be offered by PCCs to accommodate Ukrainian refugees?
No.
PCCs cannot introduce residents into such properties, as they are not the PCC’s to allocate.
Clergy Housing knows the vacant properties in our diocese and have plans in place in respect to each. If there is an opportunity for them to be offered they will sort this – there is no need for PCCs or clergy to alert them to the fact property is vacant.
Can clergy offer to sponsor refugees in using clergy housing?
Yes.
Individual members of the clergy can register for the UK Humanitarian Sponsorship Scheme via the government website
Homes for Ukraine – Homes for Ukraine – Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine
This does not represent a formal application or commitment.
There are practical and legal matters that will need to be considered and addressed on a case-by-case basis. These are currently being identified looked into by the Church of England and at a diocesan level. We want to make sure there are no unintended consequences for clergy or our housing.
Any clergy who do register with the UK Humanitarian Sponsorship Scheme are asked to advise clergy.housing@liverpool.anglican.org
How can individual congregation members volunteer to sponsor Ukrainian refugees?
Individuals can register for the UK Humanitarian Sponsorship Scheme via the government website Homes for Ukraine – Homes for Ukraine – Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine
Can parishes become sponsors?
In time the Ukrainian Humanitarian Sponsorship Scheme will be expanded to larger groups and to sponsorship provided by companies, community groups and churches.
Parishes who are interested in getting involved in this scheme are encouraged to register via the Sanctuary Foundation. Sanctuary Foundation | Supporting New Arrivals from Ukraine
This means you will receive updates about the scheme and also sends a message to the Government about the level of support available.
Other Ways to Help
Financial Donations
There are two safe and secure ways where your gift can support those most in need:
The first is through the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal which is supported by a number of charities including Christian Aid, the ecumenical relief and development agency of the British and Irish churches. Your gift will help provide food, bedding and temporary accommodation for people who have fled the conflict in Ukraine.
The second is through the USPG-Diocese in Europe Emergency Appeal which is looking to support the front line work of chaplaincies across Europe as well as Christian charities carrying out humanitarian work both in Ukraine and responding to the arrival of refugees in neighbouring countries.
Translation support
If you, or someone you know, can speak Ukrainian, Russian, Hungarian, Polish, German, Czech, Romanian or Moldovan then those language skills could be very useful in translation work. That includes Translators without Borders who are supporting many refugees in translating and understanding forms and procedures.