Manchester to become a Local Authority of Sanctuary

Last week, we received the wonderful news that Manchester has made the commitment to becoming a Local Authority of Sanctuary! 

On Thursday morning, Manchester City Council gave unanimous support to a motion on becoming a Council of Sanctuary. This means that the council will prioritise welcoming people seeking safety, making Manchester a city where they can find community, opportunities and security.

The motion, which was brought forward by Joanna Midgley, has come after years of groundwork by Manchester City of Sanctuary and other organisations across the city.

Following the unanimous decision, Midgley said, "We have a long and rich history in Manchester of welcoming and supporting refugees and asylum seekers that have been displaced. We are proud to be a sanctuary and a home for anyone fleeing persecution and those who are striving for a better life."

"Manchester is a place of wonderful diversity, a city that speaks over 200 languages, and we recognise the contribution that our communities collectively bring to the fabric of our city. We believe it is important that we create a society that builds bridges between our residents regardless of background, language or religion."

At Boaz, we're so encouraged by this news, and look forward to playing our part in ensuring Manchester is always a place of refuge and compassion for people seeking safety.