They wrote:Sir, Whether or not the first deportation flight leaves Britain today for Rwanda, this policy should shame us as a nation. Rwanda is a brave country recovering from catastrophic genocide. The shame is our own, because our Christian heritage should inspire us to treat asylum seekers with compassion, fairness and justice, as we have for centuries. Those to be deported to Rwanda have had no chance to appeal, or reunite with family in Britain. They have had no consideration of their asylum claim, recognition of their medical or other needs, or any attempt to understand their predicament.Many are desperate people fleeing unspeakable horrors. Many are Iranians, Eritreans and Sudanese citizens, who have an asylum grant rate of at least 88 per cent. These are people Jesus had in mind as he said when we offer hospitality to a stranger, we do it for him. They are the vulnerable that the Old Testament calls us to value. We cannot offer asylum to everyone, but we must not outsource our ethical responsibilities, or discard international law — which protects the right to claim asylum.We must end the evil trafficking; many churches are involved in fighting this evil. This needs global co-operation across every level of society. To reduce dangerous journeys to the UK we need safe routes: the church will continue to advocate for them. But deportations — and the potential forced return of asylum seekers to their home countries — are not the way. This immoral policy shames Britain. The Most Rev Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York; the Right Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London; the Right Rev Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham; the Right Rev David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham; the Right Rev John Inge, Bishop of Worcester; the Right Rev Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry; the Right Rev Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford; the Right Rev James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle; the Right Rev Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans; the Right Rev Donald Allister, Bishop of Peterborough; the Right Rev Stephen Conway, Bishop of Ely; the Right Rev Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark; the Right Rev Nicholas Baines, Bishop of Leeds; the Right Rev Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester; the Right Rev Martin Warner, Bishop of Chichester; the Right Rev Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol; the Right Rev Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby; the Right Rev Julian Henderson, Bishop of Blackburn; the Right Rev David Walker, Bishop of Manchester; the Right Rev Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford; the Right Rev Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter; the Right Rev Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford; the Right Rev Martin Seeley, Bishop of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich; the Right Rev Paul Williams, Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham
One in three reports by motorists using a pioneering app to gather information on modern slavery in hand car washes have indicated potential labour exploitation, according to figures released today.The Clewer Initiative’s Safe Car Wash App, which allows drivers to respond to a check list of key factors that may suggest modern slavery or labour exploitation at hand car washes, has been downloaded 31,000 times since its launch in 2018.Latest figures show 7,800 reports have been submitted using the app since the launch, with a third reaching a threshold of concern indicating potential labour exploitation.The statistics have been released as a series of new features were announced to the app, including updated questions and content and an improved user interface so it is easier to submit a report.Caroline Virgo, Director of The Clewer Initiative, said: “While many hand car wash businesses treat and pay their staff fairly, some are run by unscrupulous people, determined to make as much money as possible, regardless of how their workers are treated or whether they are following the law.“It is therefore vital we educate consumers on the importance of choosing responsible car washes that look after their workers, protect the environment, care for their customers and trade legally. The Safe Car Wash app is good news because it will help pinpoint and eliminate businesses that are exploiting workers. “The Safe Car Wash app is easy to use – it asks a series of questions related to signs of modern slavery and if it reaches a threshold that suggests workers are not being treated appropriately, it will invite the user to send a report through to the Modern Slavery Helpline for further investigation. “We would urge car owners and drivers to download the new version of the app today and help us identify and shut down exploitative businesses.”The app was launched in 2018 by The Clewer Initiative, the Church of England’s campaign against modern slavery, and the Santa Marta Group, the Catholic Church’s anti-slavery project, with support from anti-slavery campaigners and other key agencies, including the police and councils.
The Revd Dylan Turner has been appointed to the newly-created position of Anglican Communion Relations Officer.Currently working in the Diocese of Rochester, he will join the Church of England’s national Faith and Public Life department next month as part of the Anglican Communion team of staff. Before ordination, Turner (see photo) worked with the Foreign Office, training staff in diplomatic missions around the world to help British companies trade and invest globally.Bishop Anthony Poggo, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Adviser on Anglican Communion Affairs, said: “We look forward to utilising Dylan’s wide experience in supporting the ministry of the Archbishop of Canterbury as a focus of unity in the Anglican Communion as well as being part of the Faith and Public Life team as it supports the Archbishops and Church of England.” Speaking on his appointment, Dylan said that “It is an honour to have been invited to join the Faith and Public Life team as Anglican Communion Relations Officer. “What particularly excites me about the role is the opportunity to draw on my experience before ordination working with the Foreign Office.” The Revd Canon Dr Malcolm Brown, Director of Faith and Public Life, said, “Dylan joins the Faith and Public Life team when it is only a few months old, and is developing its life together to serve the Church of England as an institution and the two Archbishops in their personal ministries. “The range and depth of Dylan’s experience will bring much to the team and I greatly look forward to working with him.”
This Sunday our 10am service is Cafe Church at the Winn Hall. So jump on the Dunsfold bandwagon, join us for breakfast and an informal service that this weekend has a special Songs of Praise setting.<br>There are many people who lamented the lack of hymns during the lockdown restrictions. Here's your chance to make amends and enjoy singing your favourite hymns with an added personal touch that will be revealed on Sunday.<br>If you can't be present in person please click on the link below to take part via Zoom.<br>You'll also find attached an eye-catching photo from last Sunday's Jubilee parade and a second photo link to the front page of the biggest-selling newspaper in SW France which carried a wonderful image of the Queen with the translated headline..."Undefeatable."<br><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5253921788?pwd=MC9kNmpldmFrRSsrV1pkc1k5aU1vZz09">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5253921788?pwd=MC9kNmpldmFrRSsrV1pkc1k5aU1vZz09</a>
