Calais Church Torn Down As 'Jungle' Demolished

French authorities have bulldozed the makeshift Orthodox church in the Calais 'Jungle' camp as the demolition continues.

St Michael's Church served mainly Orthodox Ethiopian Christians in the camp, but is widely considered to have become a symbol of hope for many of the migrants and refugees living there.

It has been demolished as part of a move to flatten the entire camp, which has been home to more than 10,000 people, many of whom who had fled war, persecution and hardship in their own countries.

Refugee activist and aid worker Caroline Gregory posted on Facebook pictures of where the church once stood.

St Michael's became briefly controversial last year when the BBC filmed part of its religious flagship Songs of Praise programme from the camp.

A final service was held in the church earlier this week, and a Facebook page has been set up for people to post pictures and memories of their time there.

The UN yesterday accused both the UK and France of falling "seriously short" of their legal obligations in their treatment of children at Calais during the demolition.

The last of the children were evacuated yesterday, and the final female residents left today.

An update posted by Help Refugees UK from the three women who ran the Unofficial Women and Children's centre said today that many people were "confused and frightened" as they were boarded onto coaches to leave Calais.

"The Jules Ferry women's shelter known by all as Salam is now empty," they said. "We wish these incredible women, the most resilient, beautiful, damaged, traumatised,crazy, funny, individuals a positive future, and hope they will now find peace."

News
Petition calls for end to disciplinary action against Jennifer Melle
Petition calls for end to disciplinary action against Jennifer Melle

There are concerns Melle could lose her job.

UK Christian and Gospel music set for official singles chart launch
UK Christian and Gospel music set for official singles chart launch

The UK’s Christian and Gospel music scene is set to receive a major boost with the announcement of a new official singles chart, developed in partnership between AStepFWD and The Official Charts Company.

More Protestant churches closed than opened in the US in 2024, new analysis finds
More Protestant churches closed than opened in the US in 2024, new analysis finds

The closures have served to highlight the importance of church planting, say researchers.

Cultivating the fruits of the Spirit: gentleness that reflects God’s strength
Cultivating the fruits of the Spirit: gentleness that reflects God’s strength

To be gentle is often equated with being passive, fragile, or easily overlooked - a liability rather than a virtue. But the Kingdom of God operates by an entirely different framework.