Bishop's Tour of Rome's Refugee Center Acts as Blueprint for Episcopal Institutions in Europe and the US
The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, with the support of Episcopal Relief & Development, is making a significant impact on the lives of refugees across 11 countries. The organisation's goal extends beyond providing aid; it aims to transform the lives of refugees and churches alike, encouraging the latter to initiate programs and for members to volunteer in refugee support.
The Joel Nafuma Refugee Center, located in Rome, Italy, serves as the Convocation's largest refugee assistance program. Housed in the crypt at St. Paul's Within the Walls, the center offers a day shelter, food, clothing, language classes, legal and job assistance, and other essential services to an average of 150 refugees each weekday.
The refugee center, a ministry that dates back to the 1980s and named for its founder, is not limited to Rome. Its ministry is expanding beyond Italy, reaching other European countries.
The number of projects supported by the Convocation has grown impressively, increasing from six to 20 this year. These projects are operating in countries ranging from Romania to Portugal to Cyprus.
Bishop Mark Edington, the Bishop-in-Charge of The Episcopal Church in Europe, is at the helm of the Refugee Center and initiatives to support churches across Europe working with refugees and migrants. He is also associated with St. Paul's Within the Walls Church in Rome.
On May 19, Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe visited the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center and received a guided tour from its director, Giulia Bonoldi. Rowe praised the work at the refugee center, stating it's a model for churches across the continent and replicable across The Episcopal Church.
The center operates with a small staff, interns, and volunteers, and has a budget just under $400,000. The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe is accepting grant applications from churches across Europe interested in working with refugees and migrants.
For more information, please contact Lynette Wilson, a reporter and managing editor of the website mentioned in this article.
The Convocation's work comes at a crucial time, as Europe is a destination point for refugees and asylum-seekers fleeing violence and persecution, political instability, civil wars, and territorial disputes in some 24 African, Middle Eastern, and southern and central Asian countries and regions.
Rowe's visit to the center followed the announcement that The Episcopal Church would not resettle white South Africans favored by the Trump administration and would end all federal resettlement work when the church's federal contract expires. However, the Convocation's work remains focused on providing aid and support to refugees across Europe.
Read also:
- Symptomatic of the flu? A fresh, home-based COVID-19 and influenza test offers assistance
- Around a third of general practitioners (GPs) have not previously worked for the National Health Service (NHS) or have left their positions.
- Home workout shift from gym to rowing machine strengthens core, back, and arms unlike ever before
