Bishop Nicholas backs “Welcome the Stranger” campaign

Bishop Nicholas Hudson signed a postcard at St Boniface House to support the Welcome the Stranger campaign led by the Jesuit Refugee Service UK. The campaign asks the government to protect the right to seek asylum and to end immigration detention so that people seeking sanctuary in the UK are treated with dignity.

The Bishop was joined by members of the Caritas Plymouth team and diocesan trustees for the signing. This follows a September 21 hand-in at 10 Downing Street, where hundreds of postcards from various communities were delivered to the government. Simon Giarchi, head of Caritas Plymouth, represented the diocese at that event alongside representatives from the Caritas Social Action Network, the St Vincent de Paul Society, and Caritas Brentwood.

Bishop Hudson said he is proud to support the campaign and expressed gratitude to the parishes in the diocese that have participated. He stated that the Gospel calls the Church to welcome the stranger and that this call should influence how people speak about and respond to those seeking safety.