SW News: In the face of the ongoing conflict, bloodshed, displacement of people, and destruction of property in Ukraine, Christian leaders in Britain, including Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster, have urged the Boris Johnson government to open humanitarian corridors to the refugees fleeing their homeland.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Johnson, the Church leaders appealed for an extension of visas for Ukrainians seeking refuge in the UK. In the letter sent on Wednesday, March 9, the leaders also hailed the government authorities' "intention to establish a pathway to humanitarian sponsorship," emphasizing "the urgency to act swiftly and without delay."

The letter was composed after the London Church Leaders' briefing on Wednesday at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family to pray with Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski and the faithful.

In the letter, the leaders also emphasized Britain's moral commitment to provide security and hospitality to people experiencing the horrors of war that British citizens faced seven decades ago.

Urging the government to take rapid action, Cardinal Nichols further added, "Times of war require swift action and flexibility, the easing of normal procedures and the removal of complex bureaucratic obstacles that can easily turn hope into despair and resignation."

The other signatories include Greek Orthodox Archbishop Nikitas Lioulias of Thyateira and Britain, Anglican Bishop Christopher Chessun of Southwark, Archbishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of London and Lieutenant Colonel David Shakespeare of the Salvation Army.

Meanwhile, following stinging criticisms, the UK government confirmed on March 10 that it would ease the rigid entry requirements for Ukrainian refugees, which mean those with passports, can apply for entry online and only have to provide biometric details when they reach Britain.

Alongside, more than two million people have fled Ukraine following the Russian invasion. The UN High Commissioner of refugees has addressed it as the fastest-growing refugee crisis after World War II.