Church leaders accused of dishonesty over asylum seekers converting to Christianity

Concerns raised by top vicar

Reverend Matthew Firth has raised concerns about asylum seekers dodging deportation by converting to Christianity. He claimed that many young men, mainly from Iran and Syria, were getting baptized but showing no genuine interest in the faith.

Pressure from immigration lawyers

Rev. Firth alleged that immigration lawyers representing the migrants would pressure him to exaggerate their commitment to Christianity during removal tribunals.

Controversy surrounding asylum process

The issue gained attention after an asylum seeker used the ruse of converting to Christianity to avoid deportation. Home Office Minister Tom Pursglove stated that there is no evidence of systemic abuse in the asylum process.

Church leaders' response

While Rev. Firth criticized Church of England leaders for not being honest about the situation, the Bishop of Chelmsford, Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, refuted his claims, stating that the numbers don't add up and emphasizing the seriousness of baptism.