Standing in solidarity with asylum seekers detained at Dungavel – because Justice & Peace Scotland will never turn its back on the stranger
Overview
We are praying for all those affected in the war in Gaza and hope that the current ceasefire agreement shall allow for some peace in the region. As a Catholic parish community, we stand in solidarity with all who suffer – Israeli and Palestinian alike – while calling for an end to violence and a just peace based on human rights and international law.
This is first and foremost a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of innocent civilians. Our response is rooted in prayer, compassion, and advocacy for peace.
Understanding the Current Crisis
The Human Cost
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in:
- Massive civilian casualties on both sides
- Destruction of infrastructure including homes, hospitals, schools
- Humanitarian catastrophe with shortages of food, water, medicine
- Displacement of hundreds of thousands
- Psychological trauma especially among children
- Blockades preventing aid from reaching those in need
Our Response as Catholics
- Prayer for all who suffer
- Solidarity with victims on all sides
- Calls for ceasefire and peaceful resolution
- Support for humanitarian aid
- Advocacy for justice and human rights
- Hope that peace is possible
Church Leadership Speaks: Voices for Peace
Scottish Church Leaders’ Statement – April 2024
A rare joint statement from Archbishop William Nolan (Catholic Church in Scotland) and Rev. Sally Foster-Fulton (Moderator of the Church of Scotland) demonstrated ecumenical unity on issues of peace and justice.
- The statement called for immediate ceasefire.
- It insisted on the protection of civilians and access for humanitarian aid.
- It addressed the humanitarian catastrophe and called for long-term just peace.
Click here to read the statement in full
Father Gabriel Romanelli’s Visit
Father Romanelli, the parish priest serving in Gaza, visited Glasgow in April 2024 to provide:
- First-hand testimony from Gaza and the human stories behind the statistics.
- A pastoral perspective on the crisis.
- A call to action for Prayer and solidarity, Humanitarian aid, and International pressure for ceasefire.
Catholic Teaching on War and Peace
The Just War Tradition
The Church always emphasizes a presumption against war – peace is the norm. Even when the conditions for Just War are debated, the teaching stresses:
- Protection of non-combatants – civilians must never be targeted.
- Proportionality – harm must not exceed the good achieved.
- Last resort – all peaceful means must be exhausted.
Pope Francis on War: “War is always a defeat for humanity.”
The Pope has specifically addressed the Gaza situation, calling for an immediate ceasefire, demanding the release of hostages, and insisting on humanitarian access.
How You Can Respond
1. Pray for Peace
Daily Prayer Intentions:
- For all victims of violence – Israeli and Palestinian
- For those who have lost loved ones and for children traumatized by war
- For medical and humanitarian workers delivering aid
- For hostages and their families
- For political and military leaders to choose peace
Suggested Prayer:
God of compassion, we cry out to you for the people of Israel and Palestine. End the violence. Comfort those who mourn. Heal the wounded. Protect the vulnerable. Give courage to peacemakers. Bring peace to the Holy Land. We ask this through Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
2. Support Humanitarian Efforts
We can support those providing life-saving aid to innocent civilians.
Recommended Organizations:
🤝 SCIAF (Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund) – Responding to the Gaza crisis.
🤝 Caritas International – The global Catholic aid network.
🤝 Catholic Relief Services – Working in the region to provide aid.
🤝 UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and Doctors Without Borders.
3. Advocate for Ceasefire and Just Peace
Suggested Prayer:
Write to Your MP and the Foreign Secretary:
Urge the UK government to:
- Call for immediate ceasefire and press for humanitarian access.
- Support diplomatic solutions and work for long-term just peace.
- Address the root causes of the conflict.
4. Build Bridges, Not Walls
In our communities, we are called to:
- Listen to all who are affected and grieve with them.
- Reject anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
- Build relationships across divides and promote understanding.
Next Dignity Not Detention Gathering:
📅 Date: Sunday, 30th November 2025
📍 Location: Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre, South Lanarkshire
🕐 Time: 1:00pm to 1:45pm
How to Attend:
- Transport: Dungavel is remote – contact the coordinator to arrange carpooling.
- Preparation: Dress appropriately for the weather and come with an open heart.
- Registration: Contact the campaign coordinator below to confirm attendance and arrange transport.
How You Can Take Action
1. Attend Solidarity Gatherings
Your physical presence demonstrates public opposition to detention and fulfils our baptismal call to serve the marginalized. See the details above for the next event.
2. Advocate for Policy Change (Write to Representatives)
To Your MP (Westminster):
- Call for an **end to unlimited detention** – set a 28-day maximum.
- Support **alternatives to detention** (community housing, case management).
- Increase legal aid for immigration cases.
To Your MSP (Holyrood):
- Advocate for detention reform and use the moral voice on the national stage.
- Support services for asylum seekers.
3. Pray for Those in Detention
Suggested Prayer:
Compassionate God, we pray for all those held in immigration detention. You know their names, their stories, their fears, and their hopes. Comfort them in their uncertainty. Transform our immigration system from one of detention to one of welcome. Help us see the face of Christ in every stranger. Amen.
Daily Prayer Intentions:
- For all currently detained at Dungavel and other centres.
- For an end to unlimited detention.
- For families separated by detention.
4. Support Detainee Welfare Organisations
Consider supporting or volunteering with organizations that provide direct support to detainees:
- Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) UK – pastoral care in detention centres.
- Detention Action – advocacy and support.
- Scottish Refugee Council – support and advocacy.
Note: We affirm the humanity of all and oppose all attacks on civilians and dehumanizing rhetoric about any group.
The Ceasefire Hope
At the time of this campaign page’s creation, there are ceasefire negotiations ongoing. We pray these negotiations succeed and lead to an End of violence on all sides, Access for humanitarian aid, Return of hostages, and a Path toward lasting peace.
Why Ceasefires Matter:
- They provide a life-saving pause for civilians.
- They open a humanitarian corridor for critical aid and medical evacuation.
- They create space for diplomacy and hope for lasting peace.
Key Resources
Official Documents
📄 Joint Statement: Archbishop Nolan & Rev. Foster-Fulton (April 2024) [Click here to read]
📄 Church of Scotland Letter: Moderator’s Letter to Foreign Secretary [Click here to read]
📄 Vatican and Papal Statements: Ongoing statements from Pope Francis.
Educational Resources
📚 Catholic teaching on war, peace, and justice
📚 Historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
📚 Humanitarian situation reports from reputable agencies
Get Involved: Justice & Peace Group
Join the Prayer and Action
This crisis is regularly discussed at our Justice & Peace meetings where we pray, share updates, coordinate letter-writing, and support humanitarian efforts. All are welcome.
Next Meeting:
📅 Date: 25th November 2025
🕖 Time: 7.30pm
📍 Location: Saint Joseph’s Small Meeting Room, Clarkston
All are welcome – come to pray, learn, and act for peace.
Campaign Coordinator
For questions, to get involved, or to request resources:
📧 Email: jeseenan@btinternet.com
📞 Telephone: 01416442725
Response Time: We typically respond within 2-3 business days.
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“We pray for all those suffering in the war in Gaza, Israeli and Palestinian. Call for an immediate ceasefire and justice. War is always a defeat for humanity. #PrayForPeace #Gaza #CeasefireNow”
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“Our parish stands in solidarity with all victims of the conflict in the Holy Land. We must support humanitarian aid and advocate for a just, lasting peace. Read the powerful joint statement by Scottish Church Leaders and find out how you can help: [link]”
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“God of compassion, we cry out for the people of Israel and Palestine. We pray for peace and support the work of humanitarian aid. 💙 Join us in prayer and action. Link in bio for resources. #CatholicSocialTeaching #PeaceInTheHolyLand #JusticeAndPeace”
Other Causes & Campaigns
Last Updated: December 2025
Saint Joseph’s Parish Justice and Peace Campaign
Working in partnership with Justice & Peace Scotland
