Caritas Diocese of Plymouth

A CATHOLIC RESPONSE TO MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

We are sure that you will have been shocked and dismayed at violent scenes of public disorder in many parts of the UK in recent weeks and the levels of hatred against those seeking sanctuary in our country.  Caritas Diocese of Plymouth wanted to share some information about how our Diocese is responding. We also wanted to share resources we hope will be helpful to parishes in reflecting on these important issues:

MESSAGE FROM CANON PAUL CUMMINS

We hope that you have seen the message from Canon Paul Cummins, Administrator for the Diocese of Plymouth, who called for everyone to turn away from violence and embrace peace and reconciliation:  The full text of his statement can be found here.

WHAT DOES CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING SAY ABOUT MIGRATION?

Scripture tells us:  “Love the stranger then, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). The message is consistent: those arriving from other parts of the world are our sisters and brothers. We are called to see Christ in them, for all people are created in His image. And we are called to see ourselves in them, for we all share this common humanity. In 2023, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales Department for International Affairs shared a document which articulates our Christian duty to look beyond such labels and see the person who has left their homeland in search of a better life.  Love the Stranger - Catholic Bishops' Conference (cbcew.org.uk)

The Pope’s recent Encyclical Letter "Fratelli tutti" (FT) is dedicated to fraternity and social friendship, which the Holy Father counts among his constant concerns. Pope Francis underlines how all human beings are "wayfarers made of the same human flesh", who can dream together. But this wonderful potential is today opposed by a "culture of walls", which prevents, even physically, the encounter with people of different cultures. The Holy Father is convinced that migration is a fundamental element of humanity's future and a clear opportunity to put the human person back at the centre. The fear of the other, though natural and instinctive, must not undermine the capacity for encounter that makes us grow as people.

CARITAS DIOCESE OF PLYMOUTH REFUGEE AND MIGRATION PROJECT

Caritas Diocese of Plymouth initiated the Refugee and Migration Project last year in response to the Love the Stranger document by the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales, which calls us to consider the individual behind every migration statistic and to see ourselves in every person leaving their homeland in search of a safer life.  The aim of the project is to find ways to build on the great work already being done in many parishes across the Diocese to engage with people seeking asylum, those with refugee status and migrant workers, to open our hearts and share a culture of welcome.  You can find our more about the project and how to get involved here 

If you would like to talk about issues relating to the project, please contact the Refugee and Migration Project Lead, mailto:alexandra.miranda@prcdtr.org.uk

FACT CHECKING

Recent unrest on UK streets has been stoked by false migration statistics and stories. Here are some facts and figures:

People who are forced to flee their country in fear of persecution are refugees. They have legal protections under the 1951 Refugee Convention and other laws. UNHCR, governments and humanitarian organisations offer assistance to refugees, who are recognized by State authorities or UNHCR, because it is too dangerous for them to return home.  Asylum seekers are people whose request for refugee status, or asylum, is being processed. 

People who move to a different country primarily to improve their lives by finding work or gaining education, or to reunite with family, are known as migrants. 

This distinction is important: countries interact with refugees according to agreed refugee protection and asylum, defined in regional and international laws.

[Source: UNHCR]

Worldwide, roughly 85% of all refugees live in developing regions, not wealthy industrialised countries. The UK hosts fewer than 1% of global refugees. Turkey and Iran host the most, each having about 3.4 million

Evidence shows that migrants don’t alter wages, nor do they take jobs from people already living in the areas they move to. They typically fill crucial gaps in the workforce.

Migrants are not a drain on the economy. In the UK, migrants contribute 10% more to government revenues than they receive through benefits.

Only 3% of the world population become international migrants – 97% of the world’s population do not move to other countries.

[Source: The Shortest History of Migration by Ian Goldin]

GENERAL INFORMATION

What to do if you have any concerns about hate crime.

We have compiled a list of useful contacts if you have any concerns or you can contact the diocesan safeguarding team safeguarding@prcdtr.org.uk for advice. 

PRAYER FOR PEACE

Lord, Prince of Peace,
We appeal to your boundless love and mercy.
In the face of violence and turmoil in our country,
strengthen our resolve to work for reconciliation
and peace within our communities.

Help us not to harden our hearts,
to redouble our efforts to welcome the stranger
and to reach out to those in need.

Change the hearts and minds of those who seek to fuel unrest
and bring us all to live in your kingdom of justice, peace and love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

By Fr Jonathan Stewart, Diocese of Plymouth