Sacred Spaces and People on the Move was the theme chosen for the ACF’s 2025 Photography Contest. Migration, in all its forms, not only displaces people, but also transforms their understanding of sacredness. As individuals and communities journey from one place to another, their encounters with new contexts and cultures often redefine what is holy and where God is encountered. The challenge, therefore, was to capture this emerging sense of sacred space amid movement — a visual theology of pilgrimage, presence, and adaptation.
Here are the photography entries:
“I took this photo on black and white film last semester in the Bibliothèque des Dominicains in Colmar, Haut-Rhin, France.
Jude
The library became a real place of refuge for me, I find its cloister so quiet and peaceful, despite the touristy hustle-bustle of the town outside. To me, these quiet spaces have always had something deeply holy about them, as though something comforting is hanging in the air, as though there is a sympathetic hand on my shoulder.
The first semester had quite a bit of emotional turmoil for me, I found the French university system quite challenging to get used to and I didn’t develop a great rapport with my coursemates. Despite that, one friend of mine, another English exchange student, Faris, came with me on one of these trips to Colmar, and he is pictured here.
The fact he seems so small against the architecture of the cloister edge and the way he looks out on an upwards angle implies a quiet, reverent confidence, as though he is at peace with his own smallness against the backdrop of this powerful space.
I understand that my photography skills are not of the best standard, but it struck me how well this image applies to the theme of the competition, so I felt I really ought to send it in.”
Calicut beach in India.
Joykutty K. M.
This picture could have been taken in a quiet corner of our balcony, where the bird’s cage is placed. It represents companionship, joy, and the simple beauty of nature brought indoors. What’s “sacred” about this space could be the bond between me and my love bird—a safe haven where it is cared for and loved. The cage here is not just a structure but a small sanctuary, reminding me of responsibility, affection, and the soothing presence of another living being.It reminds me of God’s protection over us, just as it says in Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Riya. R. Roy
“This photo was taken during the family seaside holiday in Greatstone (South England). Every morning I sat with my cup of tea on the dunes for morning prayer, enjoying the sunrise. A truly sacred experience! Watching out onto the English Channel I couldn’t help but think of the ‘boat people’ that cross the water very near to where I sat, and whose misery is being misused by populists spreading hate and nationalist thought.
Christine Gh.
God have mercy!”
“I like the photo because it is taken by the sea and I like the sea. My little sister can also be seen, whom I obviously like too. When I’m happy I always feel close to God.!”
Annabel Gh.
“Florenz, Italy – San Giovanni Cathedral”
Christen J.
“This photo was taken in front of the public library in Freiburg, a place where I spent many days studying during my exams. It means a lot to me because, while it was a space of focus and learning, it also offered moments of joy and connection as I watched people gather, children play, and families share time together. What makes this space sacred is not the building itself but the way it becomes a place of community, where ordinary moments like bubbles floating in the air create a sense of wonder, belonging, and shared humanity.”
Lakshmy
“This photo was taken in my garden, where I captured a bee resting on a cluster of small white flowers. To me, it represents the quiet beauty of life that often goes unnoticed in our daily routines. What is sacred about this space is the harmony between the bee and the blossoms, a reminder of how even the smallest interactions in nature carry meaning and sustain life. It is a sacred moment of stillness, connection, and balance that invites us to pause and recognize the divine presence in the ordinary..”
Lakshmy
Freiburg Anglican Church 
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