Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal, the founder and President of the City of Sanctuary Movement applauded Bristol for becoming the second city to be awarded City of Sanctuary status but was quick to say more needs to be done ensure everyone feels welcome and safe in the city.
“It is in the shelter of each other that the people live,” says Inderjit, citing an old Irish saying.
Inderjit was a guest speaker at an event held in the New Room at the John Wesley Chapel in Bristol on the topic “Hospitality and Sanctuary- a faith based response to refugees.” The soft speaking Theologian, Methodist Minister, and a former President of the Methodist Conference encouraged participants to build humanity and resist hatred and discrimination.
“When we launched the city of sanctuary initiative in Sheffield about 12 years ago, I had no idea it will grow like how it is now, and it continues to grow,” said Inderjit.
The grassroots led movement which promotes the idea of welcome and safety for sanctuary seekers fleeing from persecution and war is fast growing and currently has spread to over +/- 90 cities and places across UK and Ireland.
Westbury on Trym Methodist Church host prayer vigil for refugees
A Prayer Vigil entitled Sanctuary and Hope in a World on the Move and on the Run, took 
place on Sunday 26th February at Westbury-On- Trym Methodist Church. This was in response to the ongoing plight of so many people who are being forced to flee their countries because of war and persecution and how we can provide welcome and safety.
The vigil followed a service lead by Rev Dr Indergit Bhogal, the Founder and President of City of Sanctuary. He opened the vigil with provoking thoughts and prayers including, seeing Jesus’ face in all who we meet, welcoming the stranger and providing sanctuary.
The vigil then continued through the afternoon and evening with a combination of lead prayer and quiet reflection, concluding at midnight with prayers for hope and restoration.
