Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Migrants, has said he is “profoundly encouraged” by the men and women who have marched from the Italian-French border to London to raise awareness of the plight of hundreds of migrants who must make dangerous journeys to reach safety.
As the 60+ people who participated in the Auberge des Migrants March of Solidarity arrived in Hyde Park on 8 July 2018, Bishop McAleenan said:
“I welcome the participants of the Solidarity March that started in Ventimiglia on the border between Italy and France on 30 April 2018 and arrived in Hyde Park in London today, Sunday, 8 July 2018.
“I applaud your courage and tenacity to undertake an initiative that has been physically and emotionally challenging but also rewarding.
“You have endured much in the last two months and willingly shared the hardship that is a way of life for many migrants, refugees and asylum seekers who have made this treacherous journey attempting to reach our countries in Europe.
“I am profoundly encouraged by your efforts to walk in solidarity to raise awareness of the plight of many vulnerable men, women and children in Europe especially at Calais.
“As Europeans and Christians we have a shared responsibility to make the world a better and safer environment. My own experience of meeting asylum seekers, both in Calais and in the UK, reminded me how important it is for us to ensure their God-given human dignity is recognised and celebrated.”
