Churches' Refugee Network (CRN)

Welcome to the revamped pages of the Churches’ Refugee Network (CRN).

CRN encourages Churches in Britain and Ireland to proactively engage in issues linked to asylum, refugees and migration per se. The network consists of a growing number of Church-related organisations who share a commitment to support and advocate for refugees, both those overseas and those who have come to the UK. We have come together because we know the value of collaboration, sharing and coordination; we see this group as a means to enable each of us to be more effective in our own area of work, with our collective impact being greater than the sum of its various parts.

CRN is a project of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), which facilitates effective collaborative working in partnership with the four National Ecumenical Instruments in Scotland, Wales, Ireland and England.

CRN is currently chaired by The Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath, Bishop of Bradwell. The actual coordination is carried out by CTBI staff: Richard Reddie, CTBI’s Director of Justice and Inclusion, is the coordinator, while Romina Infantino is the Information and Communications Officer.

CRN is committed to working across the four nations: Wales, Scotland, England and Ireland and endeavours to host events in these countries. It also seeks to obtain the perspectives from these nations, which are nuanced in difference.

CRN is also founded in the belief of the inherent dignity of all people. It believes we are all created equal with the image of God within us. It stands for a society that refuses to turn a blind eye to the suffering of people seeking sanctuary. It is also committed to working ecumenically, motivated by our faith, recognising and drawing on each other’s gifts, skills, experiences and insights, and open to the input of others who share our beliefs and aspirations.

You can download the Churches Refugee Network - Terms of reference (PDF).