Letter: Calais refugees
We welcome the statement by Bishop Pat Lynch on the humanitarian crisis in Calais, see Independent Catholic News www.indcatholicnews.com/news/28031, and the fact that the National Catholic Bishops' Conference will be contributing to the needs of those living in such vulnerable conditions in the camp there as well as their plans for discussions of this urgent situation with French bishops and NGOs.
Naturally we deplore the use of inflammatory and defamatory language used by some politicians in their deliberations. A bold Christian response in action in both the short and the longer term is needed.
Meanwhile the diocese is responding generously to our previous appeal for help. Hanwell Parish has organised a collection of goods and taken them to Kent, and St Mellitus Tollington Park parish plans to collect and deliver goods in early September. St Mellitus is also willing to act as a depot for goods from nearby parishes. It would be good if others were able to organise on a similar area or deanery basis.
The needs are for small-sized jeans(32, 34 waist), toiletries, blankets, books and games, cooking utensils etc. Secours Catholique reports a current need for blankets in particular. It would be helpful for goods to be separated and labelled in their bags or boxes, eg 'Blankets', 'toiletries' etc.
Please look at www.seekingsanctuary.weebly.com or email Ben Bano at migrantsupport@aol.com for how to deliver goods.
Financial help can be directed via Medecins du Monde/DoctorsoftheWorld Calais appeal on their website.
Barbara Kentish
Westminster Justice and Peace