On Friday 16 May, Bishop Viv with a group of Church of England bishops joined Jewish, Muslim, and other Christian leaders in signing a joint letter to the Prime Minister, calling for a more compassionate and respectful tone in the national conversation around migration.
The letter, coordinated by HIAS+JCORE, a UK-based Jewish organisation that advocates for racial justice and refugee rights, expresses deep concern that current political rhetoric risks “strengthening those who would divide us” and undermines the UK’s proud tradition of offering sanctuary to those in need.
Among the signatories are 15 Church of England bishops, including: Bristol, Chelmsford, Gloucester, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Lichfield, Lincoln, London, Manchester, St Albans, Sheffield, Shrewsbury, Southwark and Winchester.
Together, the leaders urge a shift in the Government’s narrative. They warn that the Prime Minister’s recent reference to the “incalculable” damage done by uncontrolled migration risks “strengthening those who would divide us.”
While acknowledging public concerns around migration, the signatories stress the need for a response which is “principled, and lowers the temperature of the debate, respecting the dignity of all who make up our nation.”