TWO pieces of wood nailed together to form a Christian cross made by an unknown refugee in the former Calais Jungle camp has been presented in Bangor as a gesture of thanks.

The cross, which was used by refugees, was given to the Bishop of Bangor the Right Reverend Andy John by Caroline Gregory a journalist who volunteered at the camp.

The Calais Jungle was a refugee and migrant encampment outside the port of Calais, in northern France. It gained global attention for being at the centre of the international migrant crisis with thousands of men women, and children living there. It was closed in October, 2016.

Caroline gave up two and half years of her career to volunteer amongst the refugees.

When the French authorities cleared and bulldozed the site she managed to save the cross, which had been used in a church built by the refugees.

In a video, also available as a podcast, Caroline describes her experience and is seen placing the cross in the chapel of the Bangor bishop 's house.

The presentation was her gesture of thanks for the support which Bishop Andy, and other people in the Diocese of Bangor gave to her and others whilst they were in Calais.

The Bishop had been part of a group - made up faith and non-faith people - who went to see the camp in April, 2016, taking gifts from the people of North Wales.

Reverend Sara Roberts, curate in the Bro Enlli Ministry Area was also part of the group. In a Welsh video (also available as a podcast) with Bishop Andy Reverend Roberts she also recalls the visit and the experience of being amongst the Christian refugees in the church from where the cross came.

Bishop Andy said: "I am humbled that Caroline Gregory wanted to bring this cross to us here in Bangor, and its presence is so pertinent as we begin our holy season of Lent.

"This cross is a symbol of hope rising from the despair of the Christian refugee who made it. It reminds us not to forget refugees as we come into Spring, when people will once again start cross to Europe from Africa and the Middle East, and no doubt we will hear of drownings and other heartbreaking stories.

"The migration of desperate people from their homelands to escape poverty, war and tyranny, and who want no more than a better life for their families is a tragedy. It is an ongoing blight and damning condemnation of all those who hold power and who have the ability to make a difference.

"We need to pray that the leaders of nations will do just that - make a difference - and one that counts, just as we also need to pray for people who are refugees, be they here in the UK or en route - that they will find support and understanding on their journey.’

Visit https://bangor.eglwysyngnghymru.org.uk/newyddion/2018/02/14/croes-y-jyngl-symbol-gobaith-yn-codi-o-anobaith/