Bishops condemn riots and violence towards migrants

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has condemned far-right fuelled anti-immigration riots continuing across parts of the UK. 

In an announcement, the bishops said they stood with those supporting migrants and refugees as they warned that the degrees of violence seen previously week are a threat to civil society. 

Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees, asked people to hitch him in praying for peace. He said he was praying for migrants who feel threatened, and for the emergency services “who selflessly proceed to work despite the risks”.

“I condemn the appalling violence over the past week, especially that directed at migrants and their places of residence,” he said. 

“They show an entire disregard of the values which underpin the civil lifetime of our country.”

He praised the work of charities, faith groups and volunteers working to support migrants and refugees.

“Today, and at all times, we’d like to proceed to hope, work and stand together for peace in our country,” he said.

“The actions of the few involved in violence stands in stark contrast to the work of charities, church groups and volunteers who tirelessly extend the hand of welcome to migrants in acts of solidarity.

“We hope and pray that they are going to re-double their efforts in order that we will rebuild communities after the terrible events of the previous couple of days.”

Bishop Tom Neylon, Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, last week joined faith leaders from across Merseyside in calling for peace.

“There are non-violent means to resolving issues that we may not agree on in our society, so let’s use those methods to bring in regards to the peace and healing we’d like at this moment,” he said. 

The riots broke out last Tuesday within the aftermath of a knife attack in Southport that left three girls dead. Cars and shops have been torched and hotels housing asylum seekers targeted.

Hundreds have been arrested, and a few have already appeared in court, the youngest being a 14-year-old boy who can’t be named for legal reasons as a consequence of his age. 

In Plymouth, 150 officers were deployed to town centre after violence spread there on Monday. Violence also broke out in Darlington and flared up again in Belfast.