Following their Plenary Assembly in Cardiff, the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have issued a strongly-worded statement voicing their concern for migrants and refugees. In it, they say: “Our appeal for refugees and asylum seekers to be welcomed and respected is based on the fundamental principle of the dignity of every person, created in the image and likeness of God. Every nation should recognise this dignity and the rights which flow from it.”
They acknowledge the complexity and magnitude of the challenges being faced in the ongoing migration crisis, noting that it requires collaborative international action. “Although resources are limited and there are many competing demands, wealthy countries, including the UK should give leadership in this endeavour,” they say.
To claim asylum is a human right, say the Bishops, and they condemn the Nationalities and Borders Bill for failing to treat asylum seekers justly and honour their dignity as human persons. The statement supports the prosecution of people-smugglers and traffickers but warns that “it is imperative to make a clear distinction between victims and those who exploit them. Crime is defeated by confronting the perpetrators not by punishing the victims.”
Read the full statement below:
Migration issues in the UK
A Statement by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
In his 2014 message for the World Day for Migrants and Refugees Pope Francis wrote, ‘We ourselves need to see, and then to enable others to see, that migrants and refugees… are brothers and sisters to be welcomed, respected and loved’.
1. This plea of Pope Francis is as urgent as ever. Given the events of recent weeks it is of
particular relevance for the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Our appeal for refugees
and asylum seekers to be welcomed and respected is based on the fundamental principle of
the dignity of every person, created in the image and likeness of God. Every nation should
recognise this dignity and the rights which flow from it.
2. We appreciate the complexity and magnitude of the challenges being faced in the ongoing
migration crisis. With over 80 million people across the world displaced by war, poverty,
persecution and the effects of global warming, this challenge requires collaborative
international action. Although resources are limited and there are many competing
demands, wealthy countries, including the UK should give leadership in this endeavour.
3. The value we attach to each person and the compassion which the afflicted deserve demands
that we welcome asylum seekers, treating them justly and honouring their dignity as human
persons.
4. The Nationality and Borders Act fails to do this. Those seeking refuge in the UK should be
provided with safe routes for travelling, have the opportunity to tell their story, be listened
to and have their cases assessed justly. We keep in mind that there is no illegal asylum seeker;
to claim asylum is a human right.
5. People smugglers and modern-day human traffickers profit from the desperation and misery
of refugees. We fully support their prosecution. It is imperative however to make a clear
distinction between victims and those who exploit them. Crime is defeated by confronting
the perpetrators not by punishing the victims.
6. Many British people have given witness to justice through hospitality, providing a
compassionate welcome and campaigning on behalf of refugees. We applaud their efforts
and kindness. Our Christian faith demands that we respond generously to asylum seekers
whose dignity must be protected and upheld. Jesus taught us, “I was a stranger and you
made me welcome.” (Matt 25:35) so we will continue to advocate their cause.
Approved by the Plenary Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference
6 May 2022
Pictures courtesy of Catholic Church flickr stream