The Bishop of Durham is among Christian leaders who have condemned the Government's plan to send failed asylum seekers to Rwanda as "an immoral policy" that "shames Britain".
The first flight in a Government scheme to send people who have entered the UK illegally to Rwanda is due to take off on Tuesday evening. Challenges at the High Court and Court of Appeal failed.
Senior Church of England bishops signed a joint letter criticising Boris Johnson's Government. The letter, signed by Bishop of Durham Paul Butler, along with the archbishops of Canterbury and York, says the plan lacks morality.
Read more: Why are some asylum seekers being sent to Rwanda?
It reads: “Whether or not the first deportation flight leaves Britain today for Rwanda, this policy should shame us as a nation.”
It goes on: “The shame is our own, because our Christian heritage should inspire us to treat asylum seekers with compassion, fairness and justice, as we have for centuries.”
It reportedly goes on to say vulnerable people should be offered safe routes to the UK and not deported.
It adds: “This immoral policy shames Britain.”
The letter is also signed by the bishops of London, Exeter, Birmingham and Manchester.
A Government spokesperson said: “Our world-leading Partnership with Rwanda will see those making dangerous, unnecessary and illegal journeys to the UK relocated there to have their claims considered and rebuild their lives.
“There is no one single solution to the global migration crisis, but doing nothing is not an option and this partnership will help break the business model of criminal gangs and prevent loss of life.
“Rwanda is a fundamentally safe and secure country with a track record of supporting asylum seekers and we are confident the agreement is fully compliant with all national and international law.”
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