” “On one hand, in the last few weeks the newspapers in the United Kingdom have been dealing with the immigration subject by showing a “country in a state of siege”, while on the other hand, during Sir Europe, on line this evening at old.agensir.it, editorialist Alexander DesForges points out that “the media debate tends to create controversies rather than supplying explanations”. DesForges mentions the recent speech by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor about the immigration question, at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. While saying that in London there is an organization, London Citizens, working with churches, mosques and local authorities, the Cardinal states that “friendship stems from such meetings, and the desire to know oneself better stems from friendship”.
In this “alternative vision to overcome one’s fear of the other – says Deforges, – the Catholic Church is in the front row”. During the May Mass with over 2,000 immigrant workers in Westminster Cathedral, Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor said: “We want you to know that this is your home. It is up to the Government to ensure struggle against illegal immigration. But when foreigners are here, as a Christian I have to say: ‘I am with you.’ Even though they are here unlawfully, as a Christian I can’t say: ‘I will do my best for you to be expelled tomorrow.’ I have to say: ‘What are your immediate needs? How can I help you and render assistance to you?'”.
