Calais: Priest and parish group barred from bringing aid to refugees

Daily prayers in the camp Church

A priest with a group of parishioners carrying vital aid for refugees at the Jungle camp in Calais had to turn back to their parish on Tuesday as they could not enter the camp. The group from St Paul's in Dover had a car full of clothes, toiletries and other essential items which they were planning to give to volunteers in the camp for distribution.

The priest described the scene to ICN: "The entrance to the camp was totally sealed with concrete blocks. Inside you could see they were dismantling people's little shelters. They wouldn't let us anywhere near. We had to take everything back to Dover."

The priest has visited Christians in the camp several times. He said a number of Eritrean and Ethiopian mothers and young children are just huddled together in the makeshift chapel. The chapel of course welcomes all and is open from early morning until evening. "They are praying the Psalms every day" he said.

Ben Bano, of 'Seeking Sanctuary' commented: "The residents of the camp who are having to experience the destruction of their homes are being traumatised often for the second time following their experiences in Syria and elsewhere. It is deeply troubling that a priest providing spiritual and pastoral support at this difficult time was prevented from entering the camp - and we are calling on the French authorities to have a change of heart."

'Seeking Sanctuary' aims to raise awareness about this situation and is organising basic humanitarian assistance through Faith Communities and Community Organisations in partnership with experienced aid agencies such as 'Secours Catholique'. For further information see: www.seekingsanctuary.weebly.com.