International Affairs

The Department for International Affairs assists the bishops and the Bishops' Conference in developing their policies on international affairs.

The department works to promote peace, justice and solidarity throughout the world.

Area of Work

Africa
Our current geographical focus falls on four countries: The Democratic Republic of Congo, South and North Sudan, and Zimbabwe. These countries are dealing with internal challenges and problems often related to regional issues.

Europe
The Department works in close collaboration with two organisations on European issues – COMECE and CCEE.

Holy Land
The Christian community in the Holy Land represents a physical link between the modern world and the life and times of Christ – they are the ‘living stones’ of our faith. Since 1998, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has organised the Holy Land Co-ordination.

Human Trafficking
The Santa Marta Group, endorsed by Pope Francis in 2014, is the Catholic Church’s response to human trafficking and modern slavery.

Migrants and Refugees
The Office for Migration Policy monitors information and prepares briefs on migration issues to enable the bishops to develop policy and respond to debates.

Contacts

Contact details for the Department for International Affairs and its subcommittees; International Justice and Peace, Environmental Justice Committee, European Affairs Committee, Office for Migration and Policy and Overseas Mission Committee.