THE CHURCH of England only houses around 20 refugees through a community sponsorship scheme - despite attacking Britain’s immigration laws.
And it comes as PM Rishi Sunak hit back at Justin Welby’s criticism of his immigration policies, insisting he will secure as many barges “as it takes” to house migrants.
Mr Welby tore into No10’s Bill to “stop the boats” in Parliament earlier this week, branding it “morally unacceptable”.
But a senior source told The Sun on Sunday the Church of England only sponsors around 20 refugees through the community sponsorship scheme.
The Catholic Church sponsors ten times more.
From tongue scraping to saying no, here are 12 health trends to try in 2023
Tory MP Jonathan Gullis said: “The Archbishop of Canterbury’s hypocrisy is on full display. I am sure he can rectify this by offering up Lambeth Palace to host refugees so we can empty hotels.”
Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson said: “The Church of England’s wealth is estimated to be around £9billion. It has the resources to help ease the illegal immigrant housing problem.”
Mr Sunak today said he “respectfully disagrees” with the Archbishop on migrant policy.
The Church of England said taking in all schemes it is “one of the biggest providers of community sponsorship for refugees in the country,.”
A spokesman added: “Several bishops are themselves currently hosting refugees in their homes - just like many members of congregations across the country. The Diocese of London even has its own clergy hosting scheme.
“Nationally, the Church of England is a stakeholder for the Department for Levelling Up in the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and local dioceses work very closely with local authorities to ensure refugees are placed in suitable accommodation. This has included providing church-owned property such as vicarages.
“It is not correct to say that the Church is not playing its part.
“The Church has spoken out precisely because we are a front-line provider of welcome and services to refugees, in line with the biblical call to welcome the stranger. We speak from experience as well as theological conviction.”
