The island’s Church of England Bishop is calling for action from the Manx government over the refugee crisis in Europe.
He has written to Chief Minister Allan Bell about the matter.
Refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Eritrea have been making headlines around the world as they flee their homelands and head for Europe.
Bishop Robert Paterson writes:
The migrant and refugee crisis in Europe as a direct result of conflicts in the Middle East and parts of northern Africa has, I know, been on your agenda for some time.
I myself first suggested on August 2 that the Isle of Man might be able to assist in finding room for some refugees.
As we both know, the distinction between economic migrants and refugees is well-known in theory but extremely difficult to disentangle, both in terms of human lives and in the knee-jerk reactions of some in these islands.
I have found the statement issued by the Archbishop of Canterbury on behalf of the Church of England helpful:
{http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/5606/archbishop-of-canterbury-on-the-migrant-crisis?utm_source=Daily+Media+Digest&utm_campaign=1a90f79546-&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_296e14724b-1a90f79546-248596329&ct=t|click here to read it}
I recognise that, as a Crown Dependency, immigration is an area in which the Isle of Man must follow the policy of the United Kingdom. However, I do hope that you will actively encourage the UK Government to pursue the longstanding tradition of this family of nations – one clearly founded in the Christian ethic – to ‘welcome the stranger’, those who have been driven from home, family and culture.
I have every confidence that you will not only encourage the UK Government, but also seek to commit resources on this island in the support of those who have no home to which they can return.
Yesterday, iomtoday.co.im talked to Mr Bell about the crisis.
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/chief-minister-we-will-do-our-best-for-refugees-1-7444639|Click here to read the story.}