A Place to Call Home - Advent Justice Appeal

First published on: 2nd November 2019

This year's appeal is out of this world!

Your chance to walk on the Moon at Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral will play host to a virtual reality installation for the first week of Advent to share the experience of displacement.

In support of this year’s Advent Justice Appeal, the immersive experience asks people to step out of their comfort zone and on to the Moon.

Thanks to the support of Christian Aid, our fundraising partners, visitors will be able to wear a headset, put on hand-held controllers and leave the comfort of Canterbury to try life on the Moon.

Canterbury Diocese Director of Communities and Partnership Revd Dr Jonathan Arnold said: “This is a truly unique experience for guests to get a sense of being far away from home and out of this world with two feet on the ground!

“Our annual Advent appeal supports the work of our refugee officers who help and guide those who have no home, have nowhere to return.

“Using VR we hope people gain an insight into that displacement to help to connect with refugees on a level that may surprise. At Christmas thoughts turn to our own families and friends and this year we hope those thoughts will travel beyond our own comfort zones and to reach out and help those in need of our love and support.”

The installation will be in St Augustine’s Chapel at Canterbury Cathedral (standard precinct charges apply) for the first week of Advent from Monday 2 December to Friday 6 December from 9.30am to 5.00pm.

The installation will then travel to:
• St Mary's Church in Ashford, Tufton Street , TN23 1QG, on Sunday 15 December from 5.30pm
• St Paul's Church in Canterbury on Tuesday 17 December from 5.30pm
• St Martin's Church in Maidstone on Thursday 19 December from 3pm to 5pm

How to give

This year churches are being asked to consider donating a collection from one of their Advent services to the Appeal.

It is possible to give online at www.justgiving.com/campaign/Advent-Justice-Appeal or by cheque, made payable to Canterbury DBF, with “2019 Justice Appeal” on the back and sent to Advent Justice Appeal, Diocesan House, Lady Wootton’s Green, Canterbury, CT1 1NQ.

Alternatively, text 'ADVENTMOON 5' to 70085 to donate £5. This costs £5 plus a standard rate message - you can opt to give any whole amount from £1 to £20.

If you’re able, please Gift Aid your donations, allowing us to claim an extra 25p for every pound donated. If you’re giving online, please visit www.canterburydiocese.org/donations to Gift Aid your donation.

Thank you

The generosity of parishes and individuals in the past has made such a difference, and so we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your continued supported.

Thank you.