About this episode
The episode explores the story of Viraj Mendis, a Sri Lankan man seeking sanctuary in a church during a time of political turmoil in the UK.
A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church. Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down. Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.
People in this episode
Host: Father Azariah France-Williams
Topics covered
- sanctuary
- refugees
- cultural conflict
- church history
- 1980s Britain
- personal stories
Keywords
- sanctuary
- Viraj Mendis
- Father John Methuen
- Ascension Church
- 1986
- cultural war
- Margaret Thatcher
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Ascension Church, BBC Local Radio
Books & works: Big City Nights
Places: Sri Lanka
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