New director announced for JRS UK

Before his four years with Santa Marta, Dr David Ryall led on international affairs and migration for the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales

The groundbreaking support and advocacy service for refugees and migrants, Jesuit Refugee Service, has appointed a new director to succeed Sarah Teather, the former MP who stepped down last year after nine years in the role.

Dr David Ryall is founding director of the Santa Marta Group, the global anti-slavery initiative chaired by Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols with the encouragement of Pope Francis. He will take up the position at JRS UK next month.

Before his four years with Santa Marta, Dr Ryall led on international affairs and migration for the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, playing a central role in areas including the Church’s support for humanitarian projects in Gaza and the West Bank, displaced people in Northern Iraq and anti-trafficking networks in Southeast Asia and West Africa.

He also supported the bishops on initiatives such as promoting community sponsorship of refugees in Catholic parishes and challenging immigration detention.

Fr Peter Gallagher, Provincial of the Jesuits in Britain, welcomed the appointment: “JRS UK plays such a vital part in our mission, making a tangible difference to the lives of our sisters and brothers who have been forced to flee their homes. I’m delighted that our dedicated team will be strengthened by David’s considerable expertise and experience.

“He brings a thorough understanding of the challenges facing forcibly displaced people both in the UK and around the world, as well as a clear commitment to advancing Pope Francis’ call for us to welcome, promote and protect refugees.”

Dr Ryall said: “I’m excited to be joining refugee friends, volunteers and staff in shaping this next chapter of JRS UK’s work. Having had the privilege of working with the JRS UK team several times in the past, I’m very aware of the vital service the charity gives to people who are forced into destitution by the asylum system or subjected to the injustice of immigration detention, as well as the critical witness given by JRS globally.”

JRS UK is the largest Catholic refugee charity in the UK, accompanying, serving and advocating for hundreds of people every year. It provides practical support including food, clothing, financial assistance and accommodation; expert casework, advice and legal support; a range of classes and activities; and outreach into immigration detention. It is the refugee agency of the Jesuits in Britain and part of the global Jesuit Refugee Service, which is present in more than fifty countries across the world.

Among the many opportunities it offers to friends of the service are joining litter picks with local community groups, community gardening and cooking and sharing meals.

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