The Synod Chair of the Wales Synod (pictured left) has been mucking in to help create a 'Sanctuary Garden' at the RHS Cardiff Flower Show on 17th – 19th April 2009. The garden is being created by WRB Churches Together, who are looking to bring to the attention of show visitors the complicated issues surrounding asylum seekers in the UK.
The Rev Dr Stephen Wigley, describes the Sanctuary as a garden with a mission. ‘Refugees are an important part of the church and we want to celebrate their courage as well as highlight the difficulties they experience as they seek sanctuary in Wales.’

Rev Irfan John, Methodist Minster with the Wales Synod and a refugee from Pakistan, will be representing the Methodist Church during the Show weekend. Rev John defended people persecuted by the 'blasphemy laws' in Pakistan, which is why he was especially targeted. He and his family came to Britain to seek sanctuary in 2007. For the last year he has worked for the Methodist church in Cardiff forging links with ethnic groups and churches, which includes many people seeking asylum

Archbishop Dr Barry Morgan’s reason for helping is that “As a civilised society we have to act with compassion and humanity to those who look to us for help. There is a tendency in Britain to see asylum seekers as pariahs and to resent them being here. But in reality these are people in desperate need and we have a moral obligation to help them and to give them sanctuary where we can."

Alan Thornton from Church Action on Poverty says, ’ The churches in Cardiff are sowing seeds of hope with this garden. Britain has a long history of being a place of safety for those fleeing persecution. Unfortunately UK Government policy forces many seeking or refused asylum into the shadowy existence of destitution. The churches believe that to treat anyone so inhumanely is morally wrong.’

Rev Phil Dunning (Chair of Whitchurch, Rhiwbina and Birchgrove Churches Together - Baptist Church); Rev Peter Noble (Synod Moderator, URC) Archbishop Dr Barry Morgan (Church in Wales) and Rev Irfan John (Methodist Church)
All helping to complete the Sanctuary Garden.

Contacts: Gill Peace (WRB Churches Together) 02920612425 or 0787 5525083
Alan Thornton ( Church Action on Poverty, media) 0773 667 3246