This year, the Durham Cathedral Christmas Appeal is supporting the Salvation Army at Sanctuary 21 in Durham City. Sanctuary 21 will receive half of all donations, with the other half supporting the cathedral's ongoing ministry of welcome and hospitality.

Sanctuary 21 provides practical support to rough sleepers, homeless and other vulnerable people who present themselves with specific needs. They provide a free or discounted hot meal, clothing and shower facilities, and information about local agencies. Sanctuary 21 is also open to the public, where anyone can enjoy coffee, tea and light snacks, with funds contributing to their work.

At Christmas, the cathedral remembers that Jesus's own family, his mother heavily pregnant, travelled away from their home. We remember, too, how space was found for them by an inn keeper, when they had been rejected by others. Durham Cathedral has been a place of sanctuary since the Middle Ages. The great Sanctuary Ring is a testament to that tradition and still today, through chaplaincy, candle-lighting, and the Chapter House warm space, the cathedral seeks to welcome all who come.