Churches’ Refugee Network appeals to political leaders
Speaking in the wake of a series of recent protests in England and Ireland that targeted people seeking asylum, Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath, Bishop of Liverpool and Chair of the Churches’ Refugee Network (CRN) made the following appeal:
‘We are deeply concerned about the protests in different parts of Britain and Ireland in recent weeks that targeted people seeking asylum. These protests are deeply threatening to people who may be very vulnerable and isolated and, in some cases, have resulted in acts of violence. We appeal to anyone organising or getting involved in this type of protest to consider the consequences of their actions. The right to protest and raise community concerns needs to be exercised with responsibility and care for the vulnerable.
‘We reiterate the appeal to political leaders made at the last meeting of the CRN: political leaders must take responsibility for policy decisions and a political discourse that marginalises and stigmatises people seeking asylum, placing them at risk. The violence and disorder witnessed in recent weeks is damaging the social fabric of our communities, further wounding already deprived and struggling areas. In my own area, I know that the violent scenes witnessed in Knowsley do not reflect the wider community of Merseyside. Political leaders are called to protect the common good, hearing the concerns of communities and supporting them to be inclusive, welcoming and offering an acceptable standard of living to all. At this time of tension, people need to hear messages of hope, not hate, from their politicians.
‘Finally, we appeal to everyone to reflect on what we can do to support people seeking asylum at a time of great fear and tension. We can all help to create an environment in which community concerns can be addressed in a healthy and meaningful way by sharing positive and supportive messages. This also means challenging the involvement of far-right groups whose misinformation and unwelcome interventions are endangering lives, and risking the futures of those who may become caught up in criminal acts when aggressive protests turn violent’.
