Vote Delayed on Bristol's Bid to be City of Sanctuary for Refugees

The following was sent to us by Geoff Haskett, who asks that you pray for those involved.

For the full story, visit This is Bristol at http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Vote-delayed-Bristol-s-bid-city-sanctuary-refugees/article-1746113-detail/article.html.

Quite a few years ago now several people in Bristol had the vision of a City of Refugee. Over they years we have seen many escaping conflict who have come to Bristol. A lot settled in inner-city areas such as Easton. That vision could become Council policy and Bristol, the UK's second City of Sanctuary.

The Rt Rev Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, said he was fully supportive of the initiative that would make a difference to the lives of asylum seekers.

He said: "Deep within the Judaeo-Christian tradition is the impulse to welcome and involve 'outsiders' and those who are persecuted fully in the life of the community."

The council was due to discuss the report this week but this has now been delayed until March.

Mr Maisokwadzo said: "Let's look at City of Sanctuary with a human heart. We are talking about people here. It's for the good of the community, irrespective of whether you are a refugee or a Bristolian."