Shari Brown is the new Executive Secretary of the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME). With extensive experience of working for projects supporting migrants and refugees, she has taken up her post this month at the CCME office in Brussels.

“I am delighted to join an ecumenical body committed to welcoming the stranger,” she said.

“At a time when millions are on the move in search of sanctuary, it is heartening to hear of church people across Europe expressing solidarity and compassion. I look forward to serving our member churches in promoting an inclusive society,” she added.

Born in South Africa, Shari studied in Britain education, practical theology and German. She has previously worked as project coordinator of Restore, a project of Birmingham Churches Together, supporting refugees and asylum seekers.

She was also an Ecumenical Accompanier of the World Council of Churches - Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel - based in Hebron, West Bank. She worked at the Quaker Peace Centre in Cape Town, South Africa, in various capacities.

Shari Brown was until recently in Britain chair of Hope Projects (responding to destitution of asylum seekers) and Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham (promoting refugee arts) and on the national committees of the Churches’ Refugee Network and No Accommodation Network (NACCOM).