In Argyll, a closed group of people on Facebook wishing to help those who have reached Greece is growing by the hour. We all want to ‘do something’.

The Church’s voice in Scotland is being heard by the Scottish Government; vigils are being held in parishes (what about your parish?); and aid is being co-ordinated. Caritas is already working in Greece with the refugees and there are other organisations working to transport aid directly to Greece. SCIAF and Caritas work hand in hand.

This is just one of the petitions that we can sign asking world leaders to act with charity and mercy: You can contact your MP about the crisis through this link: (or you can simply email you MP direct with your thoughts – find the email address here 

This is one of the groups transporting warm clothes, trainers, nappies, tents, etc.:  Let’s not pass by on the other side – these are all our neighbours. 

(Marian Pallister, Justice and Peace Commissioner, Argyll and the Isles Diocese)

Prayer for Migrants Father of compassion,

The word 'traffic' suggests to us the bustle

of anonymous vehicles hurrying on their way

But now we have learned a new use for it:

the shuffling of desperate and fearful people on to the terrors of the seas.

Human Traffic – the term is cold, uncaring.

They have no names, no identity, no history –

but will this trafficking mean no future too?

Forgive us, Lord, we know not what to do.

We stand, idle spectators, while the tide of desperation rolls on.

So we pray now, show us the way.

Reveal to us how to understand, and then how to care,

and then give us the will and the means to do it.

To the end.

In Jesus’ name we ask it.  Amen