Archbishop Justin Welby offers Syrian refugees sanctuary at official London residence

Spiritual home: Justin Welby's gesture follows a similar move by the Pope
Sebastian Mann20 September 2015

Syrian refugees have been promised sanctuary at the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Justin Welby will welcome those fleeing the country's civil war at a four-bedroom cottage in the grounds of Lambeth Palace, a spokeswoman confirmed.

She said it was currently being redecorated and could provide room for a "family or two".

"As a Christian who leads the Church of England it is something he feels absolutely passionate about," she said.

Sanctuary: Lambeth Palace
PA

"As the archbishop has said, Jesus was a refugee, and there are refugees here who are desperate for sanctuary from war-torn places and the archbishop is completely torn about their situation and wants to make a difference."

The gesture follows a similar move by Pope Francis, who said two refugee families would be welcome in Vatican housing, but Lambeth Palace said it was something the archbishop has been considering for "a while".

The rent for the refugees will be paid for by charitable funds under the archbishop's personal control, the Sunday Times said.

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