Supporting refugees and responding to asylum proposals

On 17 November, the government announced some major proposed changes to UK asylum policy. There is a briefing on the proposals from JPIT here: What are the government's asylum reform proposals? – Joint Public Issues Team

The President of Conference joined a public statement responding to the proposals, on behalf of the Methodist Church, which can be found here: Response to asylum reforms - The Methodist Church. This also includes a prayer.

The proposals will have created uncertainty and anxiety for many people who are currently in the asylum and immigration system. It should be stressed that the changes are just proposals at this stage, and most will require legislation and consultation before coming into effect. More guidance will be available on their implications for individuals at that point.

The Methodist Church is part of a new campaign that aims to show that not only are refugees welcome here, but that our communities stand wholeheartedly together. Focused on the first weekend of December (5-7 December), individuals, groups and organisations are invited to join in with creating public displays of orange hearts – a symbol of compassion for people fleeing war and persecution – in thousands of different ways in local communities. You can:

• Order free posters for your church and church members to display
• Pray for the campaign in your service on 7 December
• Organise a community event with a message of hope and welcome
• Meet your MP to show your support for refugees

Find out more about getting involved and free resources to help at www.jpit.uk/stand-with-refugees