Churches across the UK are continuing their efforts to assist refugees from the war in Ukraine.
The latest figures from the United Nations show that almost 4.3 million people have left Ukraine since the outbreak of war. The International Organization for Migration says that 7.1 million are displaced within the country.
In rural North Yorkshire, the Rector of the Whorlton Benefice, the Revd Dr Robert Opala, has been involved in helping several Ukrainian families find sanctuary.
Dr Opala, who is originally from Poland, has been working with the Middlesbrough-based charity Investing in People and Culture, which has facilitated the connections needed for refugees to apply for a visa under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
The application process, Dr Opala said, has proved “difficult and complicated”, and has created “a lot of frustration and even anger”.
Parishes navigate obstacles to help refugees arriving in UK https://t.co/0KDIXArKRA
— Church Times (@ChurchTimes) April 8, 2022