Fundraising Appeals

Stories of Sanctuary from Derby Cathedral

Bringing HOPE to refugees and asylum seekers 

Derby Cathedral is proud to have been the first Cathedral of Sanctuary in England, as we create a safe and welcoming space for everyone, supporting refugees and those seeking asylum. Help us create more stories like these…

“I was welcomed at Derby Cathedral in 2013 when I was an asylum seeker. I was lonely and at my lowest morale with nothing to hope or to live for. When I started attending services at Derby Cathedral, I was astonished by the welcome that l received, and I felt like I had always been part of this community.

People showed great sympathy and empathy. I joined the serving team and was awarded the St Edmunds certificate and later the Bishop’s Badge which was a great honour for me. Since then, I have been a member of the Cathedral community committee and currently a member of the Justice, Peace and Creation Committee.”

 “The Cathedral has played a very big spiritual role in my life. During the Covid pandemic lockdown period, some individual members of the Cathedral community went out of their way to look up if l was well, as well as delivering me essential necessities in the form of food hampers, books and most importantly financial support for the purchase of airtime to stay in touch with my family and to join online prayers. It was the most uplifting experience to be able to join others in prayer online and later to be allowed to join the limited services. This played a great part in my maintaining a good mental wellbeing.

“I cherish the counselling and emotional support I received at the time I lost the most precious people in my life whom l didn’t get the chance to go and mourn, and these people include my 2 brothers, my mother and mother-in-law and recently my wife. The Cathedral greatly honoured me by offering prayers and holding a memorial service for my late wife in St Kathryn’s Chapel. It was this kind of support from the Cathedral community which helped me through these difficult times.

“I also had the opportunity of meeting fellow asylum seekers and refugees, and we had the opportunity to share our experiences and offer each other support. With great support from Derby Cathedral, I was granted Refugee Status, and I consider myself as a full member of this community. I continue to be a member of the Cathedral serving team and I frequently read the gospel at some of the services, and I have on several occasions been given the privilege to lead the procession on some Civic Ceremonies held at the Cathedral.” (Anonymous)

Giving PEACE to our visitors

Derby Cathedral, a place for everyone to come for peace, reflection, sanctuary and light during times where life feels difficult. As a regular to the Cathedral shared with us recently:

“Someone asked me recently what makes this cathedral a sanctuary for me. It made me look back over my whole life. Before I retired, I worked as an Operational Fire Officer. In that line of work, you don’t just talk about danger; you live in it. I stared death in the face more than once. Every time I survived, I knew it wasn’t just luck. It was a miracle and God gave me the gift of life for a purpose. I felt this overwhelming, quiet urge in my soul to give back to God the very life he had spared. So, I committed myself to serving this cathedral, and I have done for decades now.

“But life has a way of bringing new storms. Right now, my wife is battling cancer. It is a heavy, heart-breaking road. Yet, every single time I walk through the doors of this cathedral, the noise of the world fades. The fear loses its grip. A profound, undeniable peace washes over me. For me, this cathedral is a sanctuary because it is the place where my lifetime of gratitude meets God’s grace, offering me peace when the storms of life rage the hardest.” (Anonymous)

Creating JOY through the Cathedral’s activity

Derby Cathedral has many groups that meet throughout the week, including our choirs, embroiderers, flower arrangers and bell ringers. They are places of belonging, where members find their own sense of sanctuary.

Christmas is also a time when our choirs can create joy for so many others. Here’s what being part of a Cathedral Choir at Christmas means to some of our girl choristers:

“Christmas at the Cathedral is the most magical experience ever, and singing in the choir is my absolute favourite part of Christmas! Seeing the Cathedral so full of people, here to celebrate Christmas is just so special.”

“Christmas is a very busy time, but it’s always so magical and there’s no other way I’d like to spend it. I love all the music we sing and love all the memories I get to make with friends. There’s nothing that can rival Christmas in the Cathedral!”

“My favourite part of Christmas is singing some of my favourite music in an incredible Cathedral, alongside some of my closest friends.”

“Christmas is a wonderful time to bring us altogether as one big family.”

Sharing LOVE in our community café

Our Community Café meets in the Cathedral every Tuesday morning. As our volunteer leaders Eirene and Richard told us: “Together with our wonderful team of committed volunteers, we provide a safe space for people to meet with one another for free hot drinks, soup and snacks, as well as newspapers, games and most importantly, a listening ear.”

Some recent comments from some of our visitors:

 “I’ve been coming here for a long time. I enjoy the friendship here, debating and meeting with other people and exchanging stories of our different experiences in life.”

“I like the atmosphere of being in such a lovely sacred building. And I can come in and light a candle, knowing there will be a warm welcome, a free hot drink and the chance to chat with others.”

“It’s a comfortable and safe space. You can sit round a table with in the company of others you’ve not met before. That’s welcoming. You can’t do that in a café. And the refreshments are free too.” 

“We come in regularly to light a candle for those we have lost. We can sit and have a chat with others afterwards. It makes you feel wanted and a part of something.”

Help us to give sanctuary this Christmas by supporting our Christmas Appeal