Statement  by  the  Right  Reverend  Patrick  McKinney,  Catholic  Bishop  of  Nottingham   and  the  Right  Reverend  Paul  Williams,  Anglican  Bishop  of  Southwell  and  Nottingham  

  As  Bishops,  and  together  with  leaders  of  Christian  Churches  and  other  faiths  in  Nottinghamshire,   we   encourage   the   people   of   our   city   and   county   to   stand   in   solidarity   with   all   those   who   are   seeking  refuge  from  countries  torn  apart  by  conflict,  and  to  offer  them  a  warm  welcome.     For   Christians,   a   vital   part   of   our   faith   is   offering   compassion   to   those   who   are   in   need   and   recognising  the  fundamental  dignity  of  every  human  being.    Christians  are  not  just  asked  to  pray   for  others,  but  to  be  generous  in  giving  to  support  and  welcome  those  who  are  in  need.     In   a   statement   on   the   refugee   crisis   facing   Europe   and   the   Middle   East,   the   Archbishop   of   Canterbury   said,   ‘We   need   a   holistic   response   to   this   crisis   that   meets   immediate   humanitarian   need   while   tackling   its   underlying   drivers.’   For   some,   that   will   mean   following   Pope   Francis’   suggestion  of  welcoming  refugees  to  their  homes.  For  others,  it  will  mean  responding  positively  to   appeals,  at  a  national,  regional  and  local  level,  for  money  and  clothing  to  give  to  those  who  have   nothing.  We  hope  that  people  will  be  creative  in  working  together  across  the  whole  community  to   do   whatever   they   can   to   help   the   refugees   who   have   suffered   so   much.   Many   churches   have   already  taken  up  the  opportunity  to  respond  in  practical  and  creative  ways.     As  a  nation,  we  cannot  and  should  not  turn  our  backs  on  the  needs  of  so  many  people,  whoever   they  are  and  wherever  they  are  from.  This  country  has  a  proud  history  of  offering  hospitality  and   aid  to  those  who  are  in  need.  Our  Churches  will  play  their  full  part  in  calling  upon  the  Government   and  local  authorities  to  do  as  much  as  possible  to  welcome  refugees  to  this  country,  and  to  work   with  them  to  support  in  practical  ways  those  who  settle  here.       Rt  Rev  Paul  Williams           Rt  Rev  Patrick  McKinney   Bishop  of  Southwell  &  Nottingham       Bishop  of  Nottingham     10th  September  2015