Church body hits at State over refugees

A LEADING Church body yesterday launched an unprecedented attack on the Government’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.

The Glenstal Christian Conference, whose members are drawn from all the major churches, said it felt compelled to go public for the first time in its 41-year history because of their serious concerns for the welfare of asylum seekers.

Three leading members of the conference, in an open letter to the Minister for Justice Micheal McDowell, said the current laws expose asylum seekers and refugees to increasing racism in Ireland.