Home Office Minister and church representatives questioned on the asylum system and conversion to Christianity
The Home Affairs Committee examines the role that conversion to Christianity plays in granting asylum in the UK with a one-off session on.
Meeting details
Purpose of the session
Focus on the role of conversion to Christianity in asylum decisions has grown in the aftermath of the Clapham attack, where perpetrator Abdul Ezedi was granted permission to stay in the UK after converting to Christianity. Concerns were raised that conversions could be used to bolster asylum claims, and that churches were becoming advocates for asylum claimants.
Reverend Matthew Firth has claimed that there is a “conveyor belt and veritable industry of asylum baptisms”, however his views have been widely challenged. The Bishop of Blackburn noted that it is the responsibility of the Government and not the church to oversee the asylum system.
It has been reported that 40 men housed on the Bibby Stockholm barge have converted to Christianity and that the Home Secretary has launched an investigation into this.
In this session, the Committee questions church representatives and the Government on the role that conversion to Christianity plays in granting asylum in the UK. It looks at how the genuineness of a conversion is assessed in asylum claims and appeals. It also examines the approach churches take to supporting asylum seekers wishing to convert to Christianity, and what guidance or policies they have in place.