14/22 Follow-up to the European elections

Here is a minute from Central England Asylum Group meeting 29.5.2014:

We are concerned that the rise of xenophobic political parties might eventually have a serious effect on the asylum and immigration policies in the UK. This concern reflects the wider picture across Europe following the recent elections. We urgently need Quakers to join forces with other churches and faith groups to present a positive vision of how all individuals and communities can participate fully in society. As well as making strong public statements, we need to go beyond this and engage members of the public in a positive discourse about inclusion and diversity. We need to step outside our “comfort zone” and engage with people who may not agree with us. We feel that this is urgent because of the imminent risk to our culture of tolerance and support for human rights.

We hope that Friends will take every opportunity to raise this concern in their local Councils of Churches and inter-faith groups.

We will send this minute to the AM clerk, with copies to all local meetings within Central England, to QARN, and to Jessica Metheringham.