Archbishop of York says Rwanda comments 'not about playing partisan politics'

York Minster

The Church of England's intervention in the government's deportation of Rwanda was «not about playing partisan politics,» Yorke said .

The Reverend Stephen Cottrell responded to claims that religious leaders should not comment on politics after Swella Braverman, the home secretary, said she planned to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda by the summer.

The policy of the UK and Rwanda, agreed last year, is to deport people seeking asylum or claiming refugee status to the Central African country to process their claims and, if successful, settle there.

In a letter to The Telegraph this Easter weekend, the archbishop said his critique of politics was «a profound and measured argument from the very heart of the Christian faith.»

The Archbishop of York and the Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, warned of the moral implications of the scheme, but faced criticism for interfering in the affairs of the state.

In his Easter message, the Reverend Stephen said: “When the Archbishop of Canterbury and I advocate for safe and legal entry of refugees into the UK , this is not about playing party politics, far from it, but rather about a deep and measured call from the very core of the Christian faith.

“While Christians, myself included, so often fall short of what we preach, I pray that in politics, in our communities, and in the church, we may first approach differences by seeking the gift that so often resides within. them.”

“Differences can be approached with curiosity, openness, and humility before our thoughts turn to solving any problems. The temptation to declare differences insurmountable and stop listening to each other must be rejected.

He previously described Rwanda's plan as «truly appalling and alarming», and in October he said the UK was «not doing its part» in resolving the global refugee crisis.

The archbishop's final criticism came just days after that. . it was learned that the Anglican Church was hiring a refugee officer from Calais after archbishops criticized Rwanda policy.

The £28,000-a-year role will be based in France's Pas de Calais region, from where tens of thousands of people attempt to cross the English Channel each year. It is funded by the Diocese of Canterbury, the United Society Partners in the Gospel and the European Diocese for three years.

A statement was released last week signed by more than 1,450 church leaders opposing the illegal migration bill. submitted to number 10. It said the law was «inconsistent with our Christian belief that all human beings are created in the image of God.»

The statement called for the bill to be withdrawn, warning that it would «detain, punish and reject thousands of people seeking security,” fueling discrimination and distrust and causing immeasurable harm.

A Home Office source said, “The Church obviously has a right to have an opinion on government policy. We always hope they base their opinions on facts.

“Since 2015, we have welcomed almost 500,000 people into our country through both safe and legal country-specific asylum routes. is a generous, compassionate country, but we cannot allow uncontrolled illegal migration.”