MANCHESTER Cathedral has criticised the government for `forcing asylum seekers into destitution'.
The cathedral, with six other city-centre churches, has produced a hard-hitting Christmas card showing Mary, Joseph and Jesus fleeing to Egypt.
The card contains a prayer for refugees and says: "During the holy season of Christmas, we remember the flight of the holy family to Egypt to avoid persecution, we pray for the safety of those escaping persecution around the world and especially of those who come to this county seeking asylum."
It ends: "We pray for our government to end its policy of forcing asylum seekers into destitution."
Dean of Manchester Cathedral, the Very Rev Rogers Govender, said: "The Christmas message is not just about Christmas trees and presents, it is also about justice for those who are most in need.
"Mary and Joseph were refugees shortly after the birth of Jesus, fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod.
Compassion
"That first Christmas story reminds us, however difficult it is to hear, that God wants us to show hospitality, to welcome the stranger and show compassion to those in need.
"Many people don't realise the baby Jesus was a refugee.
"I hope that as people see or worship the refugee baby Jesus this year, I hope they will reflect on their attitudes to today's refugees.
"I hope people will find it in their heart to pray and write to their MP or the prime minister and ask them to end the policies that are forcing asylum seekers into destitution."
What do you think? Have your say.
Tweet
Cathedral supports asylum seekers
December 15, 2007
Dean of Manchester Cathedral, the Very Rev Rogers Govender
Showing comments 1 to 8 and replies | View All
Timberman, MANCHESTER (15/12/2007 at 16:33)
Why don't these do gooders mind their own business, lets face it most of the trouble in the world is in the name of one God or another. Let's see how many flats the Cathedral and the other church's can be turned into. MERRY CHRISTMAS and may your God go with you.
Ms D, Manchester (15/12/2007 at 17:54)
The only reason the church is taking this stance is because of dwindling numbers actually going to church and keeping them in a job. In many parts of the country, it's only immigrants keeping the churches going.
come-on-city (16/12/2007 at 01:05)
However the Dean makes some good points which I dont think you should dismiss so easily.
At least he is offering good will towards people, you seem to offer hatred.
Jo (17/12/2007 at 11:19)
And when will people start to understand that true asylum seekers and economic migrants are not actually the same thing?
S P In exile, Tameside (17/12/2007 at 11:51)
This country has been taken on that many rides by people who are not in danger and come here for economic reasons it is hard to sort the chaff from the wheat.
What we need is strict and fair policy immigration, this country is far to small to accommodate the worlds plight.
Anthony, Accrington,Lancs (17/12/2007 at 13:03)
jonah, usa (17/12/2007 at 21:51)
Black Flag (18/12/2007 at 11:23)
Scrap benefits and replace the system with a flat payment to each citizen regardless of circumstances.
Let anybody enter or leave the country as they choose.
Let anybody who wants to work in the UK do so.