In September 2017 Pope Francis launched Share the Journey, a new global campaign for the rights of people on the move. Catholics worldwide are invited to share the journey of refugees and migrants, whether they are leaving, arriving, settling or returning. Most come from the world’s poorest countries, and seek shelter in neighbouring poor countries.
The Share the Journey campaign aims to inspire communities to build relationships with migrants and refugees and to call on world leaders support the UN Global Compacts on Migrants and Refugees in September 2018 when world leaders will finalise two new global agreements at the United Nations: one on refugees and one on migration. These agreements, known as compacts, could offer hope and protection to people forced to flee their homes, but only if our governments listen to refugees, migrants and the communities where they live.
Throughout the summer CAFOD are inviting parishioners to organise or join a walk as an act of solidarity to Share the Journey with our global neighbours fleeing their homes. The aim is to walk the distance of the Earth – 24,900 miles. Every step taken, together with others, will send a message to world leaders that they must step up too. In addition, CAFOD is encouraging people to sign a petition or an action card urging the Prime Minister and other world leaders to ensure that the agreements
- respect human dignity, giving rights to citizenship and work
- protect the vulnerable, especially children, older and disabled people
- support host countries, especially in the developing world, who welcome a large number of refugees
- keep families together and enable divided families to reunite in safety
- tackle the reasons why people migrate, such as conflict and climate change.
Parishioners are currently planning walks across the Brentwood Diocese. Could you organise a Share the Journey walk in your parish? For more information, please contact Chris Driscoll at Brentwood Volunteer Centre on 01277 218730 or email [email protected] You can also find more information on the CAFOD web site https://cafod.org.uk/Campaign/Share-the-Journey where a range of resources including an organiser guide, action cards and prayers for reflection have been made available.