Bishops issue statements on migration, returning to Mass

Source: CBCEW

The Bishops' Conference of England and Wales held their plenary meeting in Cardiff from 2 - 6 May 2022. The was the first full plenary meeting in Wales since November 2004. At the end of their meeting the Bishops issued statements on migration and on the return to Mass after the pandemic. Other issues discussed were the food crisis and cost of living, the Synodal process, the forthcoming tour of the relics of St Bernadette and the environment. There were also reports on the work of Stella Maris and Missio.

During an online press conference today, Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: "This was the first opportunity we've had in a while to discuss the migrant issue." He pointed out that there was a "mismatch" between the generosity shown by the British public in response to the scheme for families to take in Ukrainian refugees - and the slowness with which visa applications are being processed. Afghan refugees are still being kept in hotels, he pointed out. The upcoming Nationalities and Borders Bill could lead to migrants being deported.

The Cardinal said: "We support a concerted effort against human trafficking, but lets not punish their victims... Those seeking refuge in the UK should be provided with safe routes for travelling, have the opportunity to tell their story, be listened to and have their cases assessed justly. We keep in mind that there is no illegal asylum seeker; to claim asylum is a human right."

Those seeking refuge in the UK should be provided with safe routes for travelling, have the opportunity to tell their story, be listened to and have their cases assessed justly. We keep in mind that there is no illegal asylum seeker; to claim asylum is a human right."

The Cardinal said Bishop John Arnold, Spokesperson for the Environment for the Bishops' Conference gave reports at each meeting on the progress of the Laudato si' programme. Dioceses are working to lower their carbon footprint. They are developing interdiocesan fuel management for parishes, and particularly focussing schemes linking the Laudato Si platform with RE in schools.

Read the Bishops' Spring Plenary Resolution statements on the following links:

Returning to Mass at Pentecost - www.cbcew.org.uk/spring-plenary-2022-resolution-returning-to-mass-at-pentecost/

Migration - www.cbcew.org.uk/spring-plenary-2022-resolution-migration/