London: The Archbishop of Canterbury has offered to host one or two refugee families in a four-bedroom cottage on the grounds of his Lambeth Palace residence in London, a spokeswoman said on Sunday.
"As a Christian who leads the Church of England it is something he feels absolutely passionate about," a spokeswoman for Welby said, adding that the building could house "a family or two".
"As the archbishop has said, Jesus was a refugee."
Anglican leader Justin Welby's offer comes after Pope Francis said the Vatican would host two refugee families and urged all of Europe's tens of thousands of Catholic parishes to host a family.
It was confirmed on Friday that one refugee family has already moved into the Vatican.
Welby's office said that the archbishop had been considering his move for "a while".
The cottage is currently being redecorated.
The Sunday Times newspaper reported that the rent for the refugees will be paid for by charitable funds under the archbishop's personal control.
Welby has been critical of Prime Minister David Cameron's recent offer to take in an extra 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next five years, calling it a "very slim response".
The archbishop lives with his family on the top floor of the palace and this month opened up the rest of the building to a new community of young Christians from around the world.
Lambeth Palace, which dates back to the 15th century, lies on the south bank of the River Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament.
"As a Christian who leads the Church of England it is something he feels absolutely passionate about," a spokeswoman for Welby said, adding that the building could house "a family or two".
"As the archbishop has said, Jesus was a refugee."
It was confirmed on Friday that one refugee family has already moved into the Vatican.
Advertisement
The cottage is currently being redecorated.
Advertisement
Welby has been critical of Prime Minister David Cameron's recent offer to take in an extra 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next five years, calling it a "very slim response".
Advertisement
Lambeth Palace, which dates back to the 15th century, lies on the south bank of the River Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
UN Agency For Palestinians Says It Has Funds For Only 2 More Months Trapped Refugees At Church In Sudan Endure Hunger And Violence UN Agency Sued By Israelis Over Aiding, Abetting October 7 Hamas Attack World's Largest Isolated Tribe Makes Rare Appearance In New Footage Why BJP Lost Lok Sabha Polls In Uttar Pradesh - 6 Reasons In Party Report "Sell Golgappas?": Kangana Ranaut On Shankaracharya's Remark On E Shinde Arizona Toddler Dies After Father Leaves Her In Hot Car For Hours Citroen Basalt to Break Cover in August 2024; Will Rival Tata Curvv 4 Chinese Pistols, 50 Pak-Manufactured Bullets Recovered In Punjab Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.