THE Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf is returning to his old church to speak in support of refugees.

Bishop Michael Lewis, a former rector at St Martin’s Church, in Worcester, will return on Saturday, January 21.

The reverend’s responsibilities have grown since his stint in Worcester during the 1990s and his diocese now includes 10 political jurisdictions.

His work now covers the Middle East and his talk at the open meeting in St Martin’s Church, in London Road, will focus on the refugee crisis.

Bishop Michael said: “I'm delighted to be back in Worcester talking about the Middle East and what it’s like being a bishop there.

“I find that people can hardly believe that there are any Christians at all in the Muslim-majority countries I work in, let alone that every weekend we host thousands and thousands of worshippers on our premises alone.

“And, more widely, never has there been a more important time to get beyond the simplifications and hear about how this crucial region actually functions and feels.”

Shirley Scott, press officer for St Martin’s Church, said: “Refugees are not a modern problem, of course.

“In these weeks after Christmas, Christians remember that Jesus and his parents were refugees when they had to flee to Egypt soon after he was born.

“We’re so pleased to be welcoming bishop Michael back to our church.

“He has such a vast experience, and we’re looking forward to hearing his insights and wisdom on the subject of refugees and migrants from a personal perspective.”

The bishop’s talk, No Abiding City - Expatriates and migrants, Muslims and Christians: the ever-changing landscape of the Middle East, will start at 6pm and entry to the event is free.

Mr Lewis became the Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf in 2007 and his diocese encompasses the Gulf States, the Arabian peninsula, Iraq, Yemen and Cyprus.

The church is also hosting a ‘Jesus the Refugee’ themed free art and craft morning at 10am on the Saturday.