The Illegal Migration Bill will now become law after a series of votes in the House of Lords failed to result in further modern slavery protections and child detention limits.
Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees, Bishop Paul McAleenan, says the Church will continue to ‘love the stranger’ and call for the expansion of safe routes for those fleeing their homes:
“This legislation stands at odds with the teaching of the Church on welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating refugees.
“Refugees are human beings made in the image and likeness of God, not a political problem to be solved. We must never make recognition of people’s dignity dependent upon where they come from or how they reach our country. The biblical call to love the stranger is unequivocal and indiscriminate.
“As a Church, we will continue to welcome those seeking sanctuary here and call for the expansion of safe routes. We urge our government to redouble its efforts to tackle factors such as conflict, persecution, and climate change that force people to flee their homes.”
Recent Posts
Safe Spaces is a free national support service which offers a confidential, personal, and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with the Church of England, [...]
The Pastoral Letter From the Bishop was read in all churches and chapels of the Diocese of Portsmouth on 18th December 2022, the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The theme of [...]
A message to Jersey In light of the tragedies over the last week, written to Canon Dominic Golding and the people of Jersey. Dear Canon Dominic, I was shocked and [...]
From 1 December 2022 to 31 January 2023, donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £ 1.5 million. Today, we face [...]
