A recent meeting of clergy from Pershore and Evesham Deanery heard about how churches can deepen relationships with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities (GRT).
Andy Green, NSM in Evesham with Norton & Lenchwick shared his experiences and there was discussion led by Abi Smith, a member of the GRT community and Ambassador for GRT in Worcestershire.
Andy talked about ‘Sanctuary Places’ a church-led initiative which developed from a General Synod motion in 2019 calling for the Church to publicly speak out against racism aimed at Gypsy Roma Traveller groups, appoint Chaplains and make land available for Traveller sites. The two patrons of the organisation are the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrill and Paul McAleenan - Auxiliary Bishop for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster.
Andy said: “I have personally been involved with the GRT community mainly through funeral ministry for the last eight years and have been invited by Abi to strengthen that relationship through ‘Sanctuary Roads GRT friendly churches’, which helps Gypsy, Roma and Travellers to find welcome, support, mutual hospitality and learning in Churches.”
Andy presented a report to Deanery Chapter and invited Abi to draw on her experiences and explain how ‘GRT Friendly Churches’ can make a difference by:
- Sharing fellowship
- Learning and celebrating each others’ stories
- Enriching faith and worship
- Mutual practical help and care
- Simple help and hospitality
Abi also outlined potential opportunities to:
- Offer safe short-term stopping places to allow legal stop over, which reduces need for unauthorised encampments in hostile places.
- Contribute to community cohesion through increased mutual understanding.
Andy continued: “At St Egwin’s church in Norton and Lenchwick near Evesham, where I am an Associate Priest, the PCC and congregation unanimously agreed to become designated as a GRT friendly church. We have started monthly drop-in sessions for the GRT community to provide light refreshments as well as pastoral support and practical support as required.”
Andy also recently attended the Sanctuary Roads Conference at Salisbury Cathedral and Sarum College organised by the Diocese of Salisbury and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Friendly Churches. There were addresses and workshops as well as the chance to build links with partner organisations and charities supporting Gypsy and Traveller communities.
Canon Jonathan Herbert, Chaplain to the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, described the conference as a chance for the church to see where it has made progress and where it has so far failed to act against that motions of General Synod, and be inspired to do more to challenge racism, becoming an agent of reconciliation between settled and formerly nomadic communities.
Following the conference, Jonathan Herbert travelled from Salisbury to join Andy at St Egwin’s Church for their first GRT drop in!
Find out more about becoming a Gypsy Roma Traveller friendly church on the Sanctuary Places website.
