720 Faith Leaders Unite to Keep Refugee Families Together

When 720 faith leaders from different religions come together with one message, it's worth listening to what unites them.

Rabbis, bishops, imams, and church leaders across the United Kingdom have signed a joint letter urging the government to reverse proposed restrictions on refugee family reunion. The changes would make it harder for refugees already granted protection in Britain to bring their partners and children to safety.

Rabbi David Mason, executive director of HIAS+JCORE, grounded his appeal in Jewish history. "There is nothing fair or compassionate about keeping families divided," he said. "The Kindertransport saved thousands of lives, but it also left many children separated from their families. We need to learn the lessons of that lasting pain."

The proposed restrictions would effectively end automatic family reunion rights for newly recognized refugees. Instead, families would face a more restrictive system that could leave many permanently separated, even when one member has already found safety.

The faith leaders warn that making legal reunion harder won't stop desperate people from trying to reach their loved ones. Instead, it will push vulnerable families toward dangerous journeys and criminal smuggling networks.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond the immediate humanitarian concern, the letter highlights how family reunion actually helps everyone. When refugees can rebuild stable lives with their families, they integrate better into communities and reduce long-term pressures on public services.

The appeal was coordinated by the Joint Public Issues Team, representing Baptist, Methodist, and United Reformed Churches. Faith leaders gathered outside Parliament on Wednesday to deliver their message in person.

Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani of Chelmsford said refugees were often wrongly blamed for wider social pressures. She called on the government to show "moral leadership" by reconsidering the plans.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Rowan Williams joined the signatories, highlighting particular risks facing unaccompanied children if safe reunion routes disappear.

Jo Cobley, chief executive of Safe Passage International, sees the human cost daily. "Every day, we see the devastating impact separation has on children and the people who care for them most," she said. "Without family reunion as a safe alternative, we fear more people will be pushed into dangerous journeys to reach loved ones."

When hundreds of faith leaders from different traditions speak with one voice, they're modeling the compassion they're asking their government to show.