A WOMAN who spent nearly 20 years helping asylum seekers and refugees adapt to life in Glasgow has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.
Christine Murray has been hailed as the "voice of the voiceless" for her efforts as project manager of a community outreach scheme in St Rollox Church in Sighthill.
Cross-party MSPs backed a motion lodged at Holyrood which commends her “extraordinary service” in supporting people to rebuild their lives after being forced to flee from war-ravaged countries such as Bosnia and Iraq.
READ MORE: Christine Murray retires from Glasgow's St Rollox church after 20 years
It praises Mrs Murray’s role in guiding a team of 20 people who have provided English lessons, clothing, food and financial support to people on the margins of society since 2002.
The motion wishes the 66-year-old all the best for the future following her retirement after 19-years of “inspirational and purposeful years” of service.
It was lodged by Bob Doris, MSP for Maryhill and Springburn.
He said: “It was a privilege to be able to recognise in parliament Christine’s extraordinary service and dedication to supporting asylum seekers and refugees in north Glasgow over almost two decades.
“As the project manager she has supported an exceptional group of volunteers within the fantastic St Rollox Church’s community outreach programme in Sighthill.
“Christine has inspired others and changed many lives for the better.
“I suspect she would be the first to play down her achievements and point to the work of the wider team over many years.
“However, she rightly deserves this recognition and her legacy will live on in the lives of the families who have been supported and the continued work of Rev Jane Howitt and the volunteers at St Rollox Church.”
Mrs Murray, of Leven in Fife, said the community project would not have been successful if it wasn't for the volunteers.
"I am very grateful for the recognition of the work which we were all involved in and that I was privileged to lead," she added.
St Rollox Church is the most diverse congregation within the Church with 85% of members born outwith the UK.
Rev Jane Howitt said: “We were delighted that Bob Doris tabled a parliamentary motion, recognising Christine Murray.
“Over the years she has been a voice for the voiceless in the north of Glasgow, whether that has been for those seeking asylum or those whom poverty has disenfranchised.
“She has been a lifeline to many who found themselves in the depths of despair.
“Her faith always shone through, as did her sense of humour and as a result she was able to hold together a wide ethnically diverse team of volunteers.”
Ms Howitt said the community outreach work at St Rollox will continue under the new leadership of Karen Prenty.
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