Launched under the slogan “As Christians we stand with refugees. Join us.”, the campaign comes amid growing concern over increasingly restrictive asylum policies and rising hostility towards people seeking sanctuary in the UK.
Drawing on Catholic social teaching and the Gospel call to welcome the stranger, the campaign also reflects on the encouragement of Pope Leo for Christians to recognise refugees as “our sisters and brothers”.
The campaign calls on the UK Government to:
The organisations say that the principle of protection is under sustained pressure, pointing to the absence of safe routes, the criminalisation of people seeking sanctuary, restrictions on family reunion, and the increasing use of immigration detention.
They also warn against the growing use of harsh and dehumanising rhetoric surrounding refugees and migration in political debate.
Sophie Cartwright of Jesuit Refugee Service UK said:
“As Christians, we must speak out against the attack on refugee rights. The Gospel calls on us to stand in solidarity with people seeking safety and to defend their human dignity. And this means challenging the laws and policies that deny them sanctuary, marginalise them, and make them suffer. Welcoming refugees and upholding the right to asylum are fundamental expressions of Christianity.”
The campaign encourages Christian communities to take practical action, including sending postcards to the Prime Minister, displaying posters in churches and community spaces, and taking part in prayer vigils and educational events.
For more information and resources, please visit: Welcome the stranger: defend the right to asylum | JRS UK
