The Moderator of the United Reformed Church (URC) General Assembly, its General Secretary and other senior staff have signed a letter urging the Home Office to stop the deportation of a URC member who was recently arrested and may be deported early next week.

A petition which asks the Home Office to stop the deportation and for the person’s immediate release, set up by URC Minister the Revd Melanie Smith, has received more than 15,000 signatures.

Madhi, a member of Winchmore Hill URC in Enfield, north London, is an LGBT+ asylum seeker.

The letter, signed by the Revd Nigel Uden and the Revd John Proctor, amongst others, said: “We are extremely concerned for his mental health and wellbeing, both whilst in detention and should he be removed.

“In addition, we are concerned about the significant impact there would be on his partner, Ian, and our local church community as well. The trauma … felt by that community by Madhi’s removal is immeasurable.”

Madhi started attending Winchmore Hill United Reformed Church last year and has quickly become a much-loved member of the church community, including helping to lead acts of worship.

“We are aware that Madhi is in an extremely vulnerable emotional state,” the letter continues. “As an Iranian Christian he was detained and tortured by the Iranian authorities twice. Being homeless and gay in Germany led to his abuse by local members of the far-right community.

“While in immigration custody in the UK, he self-harmed, but was not given appropriate medical treatment. His injuries were so severe that when he had been removed to Germany, the German authorities refused to take responsibility for him, and they returned him to the UK.

“We ask that this case is reviewed immediately, and that Madhi is released from detention with a view to him being granted asylum here so that he can remain in the supportive community in which he belongs.

Revd Smith said: “I first met Madhi and his partner through the church where I am a Minister. It would be a massive loss to our community if he was forcibly deported. Madhi has been a consistent presence at our church, taking part in leading services and enjoying playing a full part in the life of our church community.”

His solicitors have lodged an appeal but have yet to have a response.

The petition is available here:

_{Picture: Madhi, a member of Winchmore Hill URC. 
Published: 22 January 2020}