The debate over the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK has sparked contrasting views between religious leaders and public figures. At the center of this discussion is the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, who has criticized the proposed mass deportation policy of asylum seekers as lacking compassion.
Church and Law: Diverging Views
In an interview with The Mirror, Archbishop Cottrell asserted that deporting asylum seekers en masse is “beneath us as a nation,” emphasizing Britain’s historical commitment to providing refuge to those in need. He stated, “It is the Christian way to meet those asking for help with compassion and understanding and it has long been the British way to give shelter where we can to those escaping violence and conflict abroad,” and urged that “It should remain that way.”
Scriptural and Legal Objections
Conversely, Peter Simpson, a retired street preacher, expressed his disagreement with the Archbishop’s stance through an article in The Conservative Woman. Simpson argued that while Christians are called to love their neighbors, this should not involve neglecting the enforcement of national laws and borders, which he believes are divinely established.
Simpson contended that many migrants entering the UK illegally violate God’s commandments, particularly the edict to respect governmental laws. He questioned the morality of claiming asylum from France, a country he described as safe, and suggested that accepting government aid under false pretenses equates to stealing, thus breaching another divine commandment.
Simpson’s perspective highlights a theological viewpoint that sees national boundaries as ordained by God and deserving of respect. He concluded, “national boundaries are the ordinance of God and must be respected as such.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
