Bishop’s statement in response to plan to build asylum centre at MOD Bicester

The Diocese of Oxford was approached for comment by a number of media outlets in relation to protests over plans for asylum seekers to be housed on former MOD land near the village of Piddington in Oxfordshire.

We are sharing the statement we issued on behalf of the Rt Revd Gavin Collins, who is Bishop of Dorchester and Acting Bishop of Oxford:

I understand the deeply felt concerns the residents of Piddington and the surrounding areas raise about the size and location of the proposed refugee housing. I also recognise our country’s responsibility to provide a place of refuge and safety for those who are in need. 

Currently, almost half of those seeking asylum wait for more than six months for a decision on their case and a further year or more if that decision is appealed. These decisions should be made within a manageable timescale, to take account of the impact on surrounding communities and also ensure asylum seekers are not spending months disconnected from the communities they wish to join. 

There are legitimate concerns about the impact of the site on its local communities and the impact of the site on the wellbeing and welfare of the asylum seekers. 

In light of all of this, it is our role to simply love the people God puts in front of us. 

As Christians, we are called to show compassion for those around us, loving our neighbours and welcoming strangers. Jesus set us the example of living by faith and hope, rather than fear. 

At the centre of this debate are humans, very real people like you and I, all of us created in the image of God, who, like us all, are in need of love and support when they are facing some of the biggest challenges of their lives. Let us give them hope for a better future rather than fear for the welcome they will receive.