The Church of England has strongly denied allegations that it operates a 'conveyor belt' of fake baptisms for asylum seekers, following claims made by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and a former priest. The controversy erupted after Abdul Ezedi, the suspect in a chemical attack in Clapham, was granted asylum after converting to Christianity.
Bishop of Durham Paul Butler dismissed the claims as 'imaginative' and lacking evidence. He noted that parish records show only 15 asylum seekers were baptised in the relevant parish over the past decade, seven of whom were baptised by the former priest, Matthew Firth, who made the allegations. Butler criticised Firth for not reporting any concerns at the time.
Bishop of Chelmsford Guli Francis-Dehqani, herself a refugee from Iran, defended the Church's role, stating that clergy provide support only after careful assessment. She emphasised that the Home Office, not the Church, is responsible for vetting asylum applications, and that a baptism is not a 'magic ticket' to asylum.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby expressed disappointment at the 'mischaracterisation' of the Church's work, stating it follows biblical teaching to care for the stranger. Bishop of Blackburn Philip North accused the government of attempting to outsource responsibility for a failing asylum system to the Church.
The Church of England's guidance requires clergy to ensure candidates for baptism fully understand its significance, with evidence of faith including attendance and behaviour changes. The Church insists it does not circumvent government procedures.
