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Canterbury Cathedral
Refugee Week 2025
Community as a Superpower
Monday 16 - Sunday 22 June, various events
Join us to celebrate the power of community to bring people together who have fled from disparate parts of the world as a result of war, oppression, abuse and climate change.
Organised by Canterbury Cathedral, The Social Justice Network and the Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN).
FREE* Refugee Week Trail
Sunday 15 – Sunday 22 June, during visiting hours
During Refugee Week, visitors to the Cathedral are invited to take part in a family-friendly trail exploring the Cathedral’s history and heritage as a place of refuge and sanctuary, pilgrimage, welcome, and healing.
Trails will be available at the main entrance to the Cathedral and in the Visitor Centre (ticket office).
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass, Student card and Refugees (ARC cardholders) or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.
Refugee and Asylum Seekers Memorial Boards Display
Monday 16 - Sunday 22 June, during visiting hours in the Eastern Crypt
Throughout Refugee Week at Canterbury Cathedral, there will be a free* exhibition of name boards displaying and memorialising the names of those who have died in Calais or at sea in the past few years. We hear on the news of asylum seekers who tragically perish in the English Channel, but we often fail to hear of those who have lost their lives as a result of travelling, poor living conditions, dangerous camps, illness or violence. These memorial boards are a moving response to the danger that seeking asylum can involve and a reminder of why we must care for those fleeing danger and persecution.
The Diocese in Europe, Diocese of Canterbury and USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel) have combined resources to support the work of the Anglican Refugee Support Lead in Calais and northern France, Bradon Muilenburg. Bradon runs a range of projects and programmes in Calais and has been key in preparing the memorial board display. He will be available in the Crypt between 19-22 June to answer any questions.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass, Friends’ Card, student card and Refugees (ARC cardholders). Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.
Bradon will be in Canterbury on Wednesday 18 June at 3pm in the Crypt to talk about the boards, how they came into being, and what they signify for him and those with whom he lives and works. The talk will be followed by a short service of prayers.
Free talk; with retiring collection.
One Nation, Many Flavours: An Evening of Music and British Fusion Cuisine
Monday 16 June, 18:30-22:00 in the Clagett Auditorium, Cathedral Lodge
This evening celebrates the richness that diversity brings to life - all on one plate.
Join us for a fusion meal, that offers a global take on British cuisine.
The menu has been co-created with The Social Justice Network Refugee Programmes’ community and features culinary influences from Eritrea, Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan, and Ukraine.
In a world where divisive narratives nourish neither soul nor body, this evening will highlight the power of community-led welcome initiatives - and the role each of us can play in embracing new neighbours in our area.
Alongside mouth-watering food, the evening will feature performances by renowned Syrian oud player, Rihab Azar, and Ukrainian British band On Yellow and Blue.
Let this meal be a reminder that our differences enrich us — and that our diverse community makes us truly flavoursome.
With thanks to The Benefact Trust for supporting the event!
Booking required, as spaces limited.
To book, please call 01227 865350 or email [email protected]
Cost: £25 per person
If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, please notify us at the time of booking.
Discussion Panel on Safe Routes with National and Local Experts
Wednesday 18 June, 18:30-20:00 in the Clagett Auditorium, Cathedral Lodge
Successive governments have pledged to ‘stop the boats’, whilst the numbers of asylum seekers crossing the English Channel continues to rise year on year. Statistics tell us that the majority of those who arrive on our shores after the treacherous journey have a legitimate claim to asylum. But could a better system of claiming that asylum be devised and created? Do our government’s policies need revision? Does the rhetoric need to change? How can we mitigate the danger to exiles in France, the UK and the Channel? And how does this all relate to the bigger picture on global migration?
Join us for this panel discussion and question time, with Lord Alf Dubs (of the Dubs amendment); the Rt Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover; Domenica Pecoraro, Kent Refugee Programmes Manager for the Social Justice Network; Bradon Muilenburg, Anglican Refugee Support Lead in Northern France; Dilys Alam, National Public Policy Advisor to the Church of England; and chaired by the Very Revd Dr David Monteith, Dean of Canterbury.
Booking required, as spaces limited.
Free event; with retiring collection.
Refugee Week 2025
Ecumenical and Multi-Faith Gathering
Sunday 15 June, 14:00-16:00 at St Mary’s Church Hall, Canon Street, Dover
Join us for talks, activities, music, food, and stories that matter.
To mark the beginning of Refugee Week there will be a gathering at St Mary’s Church in Dover from 2pm, with food, guest speakers - including the Rt Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover - and a simple service of prayers.
This event is free to attend and open to all. It is a collaboration between the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark, Caritas, Cliffs of Sanctuary, Seeking Sanctuary, Diocese of Canterbury and Canterbury Cathedral.
Free event. All welcome.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call 07521 525400
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