This is the first of a 4-part series that explores the themes of Migration, Theology and Community. In this interactive session, panelists Mohamed Omar, Yvonne Green, Julie Khovacs and Lia Shimada (chair) will share their insights into some theologies and practicalities of welcoming refugees – of welcoming God in Exile.

Mapping Faith: Theologies of Migration and Community (published by Jessica Kingsley, 2020) brings together over 35 writers, poets, artists and practitioners, from primarily Jewish, Muslim and Christian backgrounds. Royalties from book sales will be donated to the Helen Bamber Foundation, with whom HeartEdge has a longstanding relationship.

The Susanna Wesley Foundation are a co-sponsor of this event.

Dr Lia Shimada is a geographer and theologian based at the University of Roehampton, where she serves as Senior Researcher for the Susanna Wesley Foundation and Associate Chaplain of Whitelands College. She is the editor of Mapping Faith: Theologies of Migration and Community (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2020).

Mohamed Omar leads the Refugee Programme at the Mental Health Foundation in Scotland. He is the founder of the Weekend Club – an interfaith initiative, with branches in Glasgow and Edinburgh, that provides support for isolated asylum seekers and refugees.

Yvonne Green is an award-winning poet and translator who describes herself as an ‘observant British Jewess’ with deep family roots in Central Asia. She has taught creative writing to asylum seekers at London’s Fitzrovia Centre.

The Revd Julie Khovacs is Priest Missioner at St Peter’s Church, Eaton Square, in central London. In her parish, she coordinates the ‘Welcome Boxes’ programme, which helps churches build welcoming communities for asylum seekers and refugees.