13 August 2025
Bishop Guli has shared a message with church leaders in Chelmsford Diocese about the protests that have been taking place across the country concerning accommodation for asylum seekers in local communities, including in our own diocese.
In recent weeks we have seen numerous protests across the country, including in our own diocese, about the use of hotels and other accommodation, to temporarily house people seeking asylum.
It is absolutely right that we debate and discuss how the Government manages arrangements for those who seek asylum here. There are long standing problems with the asylum system in this country that impact both those who seek refuge and the communities in which they are placed. Peaceful protest also has a legitimate and important role in our democracy.
At the same time we are seeing the cynical hijacking of people’s legitimate concerns by those who use misinformation to sow fear and hatred, to encourage division and in some cases to intimidate and use violence against innocent people. This not only impacts those who are targeted, but is corrosive for the communities we serve.
On some occasions we have seen the defence of Christian values used as a justification for this divisive politics. This is disturbing for us as Christians, not least because it is profoundly wrong. Jesus Christ modelled love, mercy and justice. The Gospel calls us to love our neighbour; including the outsider, the stranger and those who are different from us. Invoking Christianity in defence of cultural purity is both theologically false and morally dangerous.
It is because of our Christian faith and values that Christians of all denominations across our country work with those who seek asylum. It is because of our faith and values that we support disadvantaged people of all backgrounds, without prejudice or judgement, to eat, sleep, worship, find shelter and access the services that can support them. I am deeply grateful to the many churches across the Diocese of Chelmsford who undertake this important ministry. It is something I hope we will continue to do with faith and confidence during these challenging times.
I want to conclude by offering a prayer for use in churches this Sunday or at any time over the coming weeks.
Gracious God,
We pray for peace in our communities this day.
We commit to you all who work for peace and an end to tensions,
And those who work to uphold law and justice.
We pray for an end to fear,
For comfort and support to those who suffer.
For calm in our streets and cities,
That people may go about their lives in safety and peace.
In your mercy, hear our prayers,
now and always. Amen
