We have been hugely encouraged to achieve signatures from leaders of key faith communities in the city to the following statement in support of those arriving in the city seeking sanctuary.

The statement was publicly launched on 10th June 2016 in a ceremony in City Park, attended by each signatory and  the Lord Mayor: see report from the Telegraph & Argus newspaper HERE:

T H E  M I GRAT I ON  C R I S I S

A joint statement issued by leaders from within the different faith communities of Bradford District.

Caring for and showing hospitality to the stranger is an important part of many of the examples and teachings from our different faiths.

WE  R E C O G N I SE  A N D  A F F I R M :

• The common humanity and dignity of all people, whatever their status and background.

• Bradford’s rich tradition of welcoming those who have sought sanctuary here over many centuries and the great extent to which the city has been enriched by these people.

• The excellent work being carried out in our city by a number of mainly small voluntary agencies in support of asylum seekers and refugees, as well as the vital support provided by Horton Housing for refugees resettled via the UNHCR Gateway and Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Programmes.

As leaders within the different faith communities in Bradford, we call upon the City Council and the whole population of Bradford District, in particular people of faith, to respond with compassion, wisdom and urgency to the needs of those who have fled war, political and sexual oppression to find sanctuary in Bradford. We urge the people of Bradford to provide whatever support they are able to enable these projects to continue their work, and to develop further creative responses to the needs of asylum seekers and refugees in this District.