LETTER: Ashamed of response to refugee crisis

If we had not invaded Iraq and bombed Libya things would surely have been different. We seem very willing to kill and maim in the name of democracy and Christianity but not to think through the consequences and help the innocent victims. We are a small island but we don’t let that stop us throwing our military might around and making billions from arms sales.

If we have a housing shortage and inadequately funded services it is as a result of poor government decisions over many years. That is not an excuse not to open our doors to desperate people. We can even see it as an oppurtunity as most of those fleeing are young and well educated and will be an asset if they stay.

Far from Muslim extremists, they are fleeing extremism and would be wonderful witnesses to those Muslims in this country who support the Islamists. They would witness what ISIS is really like and be an example of how different we in the liberal west are. If sufficient resources were being directed to helping in nearby countries there would not be sufficient incentive for people to risk their lives to escape. Even if that were to happen, it would not help those already fleeing through Turkey and Europe, many of whom have been on the road for years.

We live in an area where many homes are unoccupied in the winter or grossly under-occupied permanently. Surely there are many who would help if encouraged to do so. Why doesn’t anyone ask?

We can help if we are open-hearted enough.

Jesus told us to love our neighbours. When asked who is our neighbour he told the parable of the good Samaritan. Where is the local Christian voice in this matter, I haven’t heard it. I believe that there is a six-bedroom rectory in Felpham which has been empty for around a year. Isn’t it about time the church led by example and opened its doors or are they still the Conservative party at prayer?

Both of our respective parents gave temporary shelter to Jewish children refugees and saved them from the Holacaust. We want to do the same but not just for children. Look what happened to those children’s parents, many of whom could have been saved if only the allied countries had been willing to take them. Let’s not be inhumane. Be genorous, accept sacrifice and pressure the government to be as generous as Germany is being.

John and Jan Hayes

Old Rectory Gardens

Bognor