The Methodist Conference has condemned the UK government’s failure to care for Zimbabwean refugees and is urging the Government to immediately stop all deportations to Zimbabwe and grant indefinite ‘right to remain’ to Zimbabwean refugees.

The head of Africa's biggest church grouping says he is tormented by a wave of attacks against foreigners in South Africa that have claimed the lives of at least 50 people - denting the reputation of the post-apartheid society.

Home Office plans to introduce an "earned citizenship" system for immigrants from outside the European Union who want to become British have been attacked as descriminatory and degrading by campaigners.

Churches and campaigners for asylum justice in Leeds and beyond are dismayed at the deportation of a member of a Baptist congregation. They say it highlights deep concerns about the fairness of the United Kingdom asylum system.

Only a small number of the refugees arrested in a controversial police raid on Central Methodist Mission in Johannesburg, South Africa, remain in jail, according to the bishop there. Appeals went to Desmond Tutu for help.

The British government has been accused of damaging social cohesion through its policies and rhetoric on asylum. The criticisms were made by a wide range of witnesses at the final public hearing of the Independent Asylum Commission.

As the humanitarian and military crisis continues in Iraq, European Catholic bishops have issued an appeal to governments to permit more refugees from the country to live in the region - against the backdrop of growing refusals.

The Independent Asylum Commission is holding its final public hearing in London on 29 November 2007. It is collecting evidence for an impartial citizens’ enquiry into the UK asylum system, which many regard as unjust and failing.

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has given firm support to the work of the Independent Asylum Commission at a private seminar in Lambeth Palace - affirming the need to treat those fleeing oppression with dignity.

Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, the Vatican's permanent observer to the Office of the United Nations and Specialized Institutions in Geneva, spoke of the need for compassionate support of refugees during the 58th session the UN High Commission for Refugees executive last week.