Faith Impact Forum Update

View in Browser

6 April 2022

Homes for Ukraine Scheme: Introduction to Hosting

If you or your congregation is looking for practical advice on hosting refugees, City of Sanctuary, with Reset Communities and Refugees and Naccom Network, is offering a webinar on hosting refugees this Thursday 7 April at 2pm. The webinar is open to everybody and will provide updates on the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme and an overview of key practical considerations.

You can find more information and advice on the Ukraine Updates page on The Church of Scotland website. The page is updated on a regular basis.

Nationality and Borders Bill Returns to House of Lords

This week, the Nationality and Borders Bill returns to the House of Lords where they will vote once more – and this time they could ask MPs to think again by sending back changes that improve refugee protection in the legislation. There is still time for the Government to change course, and thanks to people like you, the fight for a kinder, fairer system goes on.
The Bill will continue to be sent between the House of Commons and the House of Lords until all disagreements are resolved.

Watch this short video from the Refugee Council to see the impact on refugees of the proposed Nationality and Borders Bill. The Church of Scotland has joined with partner churches to ask the UK Government to rethink it.

Find out more from the Joint Public Issues Team

World Council of Churches Condemns Israel Attacks

The World Council of Churches has condemned a series of terrorist attacks in Israel which killed 11 people in one week, and extended condolences to those who have lost loved ones.

Very Rev Dr Susan Brown, convener of the Church of Scotland's Faith Impact Forum, also commented, saying:
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the wave of indiscriminate terror attacks that have taken place in the last week in Israel, and the West Bank.
"We pray for all those who have lost loved ones and we pray too for peace and for peaceful co-existence.
"We join with local and international partners of all faiths in condemning such extremist violence, and pray that people of all religions will be able, safely and freely, to pray and worship in the coming festivals of Ramadan, Easter, and Pesach.”

Alongside other churches and international church bodies, the Church of Scotland has long worked with local churches and organisations to advocate for equal rights for all who live in Israel and for a peace which would see the end of occupation and bring justice and peaceful coexistence to all the people in the land of Christ’s birth.

Read the World Council of Churches’ Statement

Pentecost Sunday

On Pentecost Sunday this year we are encouraging congregations across Scotland to gather together to celebrate God’s Holy Spirit. Prepare your Kite, organise a ‘Pentecost Picnic’ and send prayers for your church, your community, your nation and the world across the skies…

Take a sneak peak of what's to come

Calendar of Events and Opportunities

Mission Partners: Our mission partners write quarterly updates about life and work in their particular situation and share with us all that they are involved in. Find out more about our Mission Partners.

Life and Work Easter Offer: Save money and stay connected with an annual digital subscription to Life and Work magazine. The Life and Work team is offering an Easter special offer on subscriptions for new print subscribers with UK delivery addresses. Until 30 April, you can get 12 print issues for the price of 10 for only £30. Use promotion code EAST22 to receive the £6 discount. Take advantage of these savings now.

Walking Humbly – Lent Podcast: Christian Aid has launched its first podcast series to mark Lent. It features guest contributions from the Church of Scotland, the Quakers in Britain, Eco-Congregation Scotland, Operation Noah and the Young Christian Climate Network. Each episode will reflect on our journey to climate justice for all, and feature stories, biblical reflections, songs and prayers. New episodes will be released each Monday of Lent. A transcript and questions for reflection and discussion will also be provided for each episode. Listen to the podcast.

Christian Aid Week 15-21 May 2022: For the first time in a generation, global hunger and poverty are rising. Covid-19, conflict, and the climate crisis are pushing vulnerable communities into a struggle for survival. People living on the sharp edge of injustice are hungry - for a good meal, to earn a decent living, and to provide a more hopeful future for their families. But they're anything but helpless.
Learn more about how you can 'Give, Act and Pray' this Christian Aid Week. From fundraising ideas to worship materials, there's a way for everybody to get involved and show support.

Sabeel: Sabeel is a Christian liberation theology organisation based in Jerusalem. Read their wave of prayer.

Phone:
121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN

You are receiving this email as you are subscribed to our mailing list.

Forward to a friend / Subscribe / Edit your subscription / Unsubscribe