Cardinal Nichols urges better organised response to refugee crisis from government

Cardinal Vincent Nichols spoke at CSAN's fifth parliamentary reception yesterday, and called on those gathered to have a clear vision of society. He recognised the on-going and committed work of the organisations in the room, and also the outpouring of compassion in a society shocked by the suffering of their fellow man.

He said: "the plight of refugees cannot wait. People's generosity, in my view, far outstrips the response of our Government...so much more needs to be done both in welcoming refugees here and across Europe to make the response to this crisis both better organised and monitored, thereby becoming more respectful of the dignity of those seeking help".

His call came when parliamentarians, representatives from leading Catholic charities and faith-based agencies gathered for CSAN's fifth annual parliamentary reception in the Houses of Parliament, on 4 November.

The Cardinal had just returned from the Synod of the Family in Rome and commented that a great deal of attention was given there to the effects on the family of poverty, violence, war, migration and desperate need. This was great affirmation and guidance for the pastoral response to families, which is central to the work of the Caritas network.

Baroness Williams of Trafford, who also addressed the audience, congratulated the work of CSAN members: "Caritas Social Action Network changes lives and make an important contribution to public life and this Government will continue to support the great work you do".

The reception was hosted by Lord Touhig and addressed by Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Baroness Williams of Trafford, Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government and responsible for integration and faith.

Read the full text of Cardinal Nichol's address here: www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=28724