RT by @catherinerowett: Tim Loughton raised a number of allegations and questions to the Archbishop of Canterbury @JustinWelby in Parliament today.

1. Mr Loughton says the Archbishop issued "secret"guidance to clergy on asylum.

The document is not secret, it's easily accessible on the @churchofengland website. Indeed even the @DailyExpressUg describes it as an official document. It is pastoral guidance to the clergy which is precisely what you would expect him to offer to clergy on how do their job offering support and help to anyone in need.
https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-11/supporting-asylum-seekers-guidance-for-church-of-england-clergy-161201.pdf

2. Tim Loughton asks "Who is the church accountable to?"

Mr Loughton the church is accountable to God.
I would be suprised if Mr Loughton who is a son of the vicarage, is unaware of this. Jesus' teaching is clear we are to love our neighbours whoever they may be. I dare say he has come across the parable of the Good Samaritan. The church has been at the frontline of care for asylum seekers and refugees. I have met many people who have been persuaded of the veracity of the Christian faith through the welcome and support of their local church.

3. "And are tax payers being scammed by the Archbishop?"

This is a serious allegation of inappropriate and deceitful behaviour by the leader of the Church of England while he is Ukraine and unable to directly defend himself.

There are rules about public conduct, in Parliament you are not allowed to accuse another MP of lying without censure. So this seems wholly unacceptable language.

The answer to the question is No.

The asylum system is run by the government.
The church's job is offer the mercy and grace of God to all who ask for it.
The asylum system has long been broken. Indeed Mr Loughton himself raised serious questions about the system to former…

🐦🔗: https://nitter.cz/krishk/status/1755304572476670384#m

[2024-02-07 18:56 UTC]