The Bishop of Oxford has joined the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and the Lords Spiritual in a letter speaking out against the Rwanda migrant policy.
In a letter to The Times, the Archbishops and all bishops sitting in the House of Lords have spoken out against the new migration policy. The Lords Spiritual, who make up the senior leadership of the Church of England, described the plan as an "immoral policy that shames Britain."
Despite legal challenges, the first flight taking asylum seekers to Rwanda is due to leave on Tuesday 14 June. Speaking on BBC Radio Berkshire the morning of the flight, Bishop Steven commented;
"It just seems inhumane and opposed to everything Britain has stood for over the years, in terms of hospitality, welcome and support of those in need."
Bishop Steven also spoke out on the injustice of the plan as asylum seekers' cases and appeals are not being heard and their medical needs are not being taken into account before they are sent 4,000 miles away from the United Kingdon to Rwanda.
The Bishop of Oxford praised the local response to the Ukraine crisis and questioned whether the new policy aligned with the image the British people wish to send out to the world.
The importance of welcoming the stranger is a thread that runs right through the Christian message. You can find resources and ideas on how to support refugees on our social justice pages and hear Bishop Steven's full interviews below.