Strangers Into Citizens 

On Monday 4th May a group from Milton Keynes travelled to London to join the Strangers Into Citizens campaign.  This campaign is calling for three things : 

1. A pathway to citizenship for people who have settled in this country but who do not have the documents to be in the UK. 
2.  Recongition that migrants contribute to our life in the UK
3. An end to the limbo for people waiting for their asylum application.  

It costs £10,000 to deport one person from the UK and there are over 500,000 people without documents in the UK.  It will cost over £4m to deport all non documented migrants and will take over 30 years ! 

But more importantly - migrants are living in fear and isolation and cannot work properly and take part fully in society.  see www.strangersintocitizens.org.uk.

We had a great time in London.  Around 20,000 gathered in Trafalgar Square to hear passioned speaches from religious leaders, politicians and migrants themselves.  It was quite a cold and sometimes wet day.  But together we made an impact.   Below are some messages from some political, religious and civic figures in Milton Keynes and here are the photographs and video.

For more photographs go to
http://www.chrisjepson.com/recent/2009-05-04-strangers/

Messages Of Support For our Trip To London

The Mayor Of Milton Keynes
One of the most rewarding parts of my Mayoralty has been the awarding of Citizenship to many hundreds of people. I have been amazed at the variety of places of origins of our new citizens and moved at the efforts they have made to become a full part of our diverse society. On every occasion it has caused me to reflect on just how lucky those of us are, who were given automatic British Citizenship by virtue of where we were born and what this citizenship really means in terms of tolerance, acceptance and respect for others. An organisation that helps to smooth the path for those who have shown their allegiance to this country and who wish to become full citizens has my support. I wish you a joyful and productive day.  Best wishes,   Jan Lloyd

The High Sheriff Of Buckingham
I am very pleased, as High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, to wish you all  success with your mission in London and hope that you will be successful in achieving your aims to become U K citizens . With my best wishes ,  Allan Westray - High Sheriff .

Chair of Northampton District Methodist Church 
I'm sorry I am not free to be with you! Please assure the group of my support, and say how delighted I am that such a mixed group is willing to
work together for justice in our land. I pray God's blessing upon you all and trust that the call you express will be heard by the decision makers.
The Northampton Methodist District continues to work with others in this cause, so my support is not only personal but representative of many.
The Rev'd Alison Tomlin 

Moderator East Midlands Synod of United Reformed Church
With many other people of faith, Christians and others, I believe that we are called to show hospitality and respect to strangers. The teaching of Jesus is to love God and to love our neighbours. How we treat visitors, refugees, and migrant workers is a sign of our respect for others and the values we live by. I am appalled by the stories I hear from those working most closely with those who seek refuge, a home and a livelihood in our country of the treatment that is often given and the long years of uncertainty they often have to endure before their future becomes clear. I have received just this week another story of someone hoping for a new future in Britain and who has been welcomed into the local community and the church but who faces a hearing next week to decide whether he can stay.

I am glad that you and others are demonstrating that these issues are about our treatment of human beings who are our neighbours and our sisters and brothers within the family of God. I wish you blessings for your journeying and courage and peace for your action . With Love and Peace.   The Rev'd Terrry Oakley

Regional Minister for Central Baptist Association
Do wish all of those travelling from Milton Keynes to London for the Strangers Into Citizens campaign my best wishes. I trust that the day will
be an enjoyable time of rich fellowship but also fruitful as you call for these important issues which concern our common humanity and resonate
strongly with our religious faith.  Grace and peace,   The Rev'd Geoff Colmer.