Chichester cathedral opens its doors to refugees staying at former city hotel

Staff say they have spent the last year developing their relationship with Chichester-based refugee charity Sanctuary, hosting concerts and exhibitions in a bid to raise awareness, celebrate diversity, and drum up funds for those in need.

In that spirit, cathedral staff urged members of the public to to join Stand Up to Racism Portsmouth in a show of support for the adults and children at the Chichester Park Hotel, to show “hatred and division isn’t welcome in our community."

The cathedral’s open declaration of support coincides with another wave of protests and counter-protests outside the Park Hotel on Saturday (October 21). Over the past four weeks, some residents have argued that Chichester cannot sustain the refugee families who are now occupying the hotel, while others have called for a more compassionate approach to those in need.

Members of Stand Up to Racism, Portsmouth have been part of counter-protest efforts since the beginning of the controversy and said this week’s stand-off was every bit as eventful as the last.

"There was a wonderful turnout. Largely, activists from the Chichester area primarily from the Green party and environmentalist community, but also some who came from Portsmouth and Brighton Stand up to Racism,” wrote member Steve Magorian on Facebook.

"Much work has been done to strip away the soft support (the other protestors) had before, by revealing the hard racists like Britain First in its centre.

“There has also been work done by locals to build links with the refugees and break down some barriers. A woman went into the hotel today with a pram filled with toys for the children which I believe were collected at Chichester Cathedral.”

He added that, over time, the conversation around the Park Hotel has changed, and people are focusing on “positive, constructive initiatives” designed to move things forward.

"Refugees are also being encouraged to get involved in local groups and a cook-in is being organised to share food culture, which I think might be rather popular!”