The leaders of the United Reformed, Baptist and Methodist Churches have urged politicians not to use asylum as a “political football” during their election campaigns.

They are calling on politicians to sign the Sanctuary Pledge, an initiative of the Citizens for Sanctuary Campaign asking politicians to refrain from trying to gain electoral advantage by “pandering to fears about people seeking sanctuary”. It also asks politicians to support policies aimed at ending the detention of children and families for immigration reasons.

“Politicians must resist the temptation to use asylum as a political football in their election campaigns,” said the Rev David Gamble, President of the Methodist Conference.

“We strongly support the Sanctuary Pledge campaign’s call for politicians to campaign responsibly, and not to demean those fleeing persecution and seeking sanctuary in Britain.

“I hope people will ask candidates standing for election to sign the Sanctuary Pledge.”

The pledge asks politicians to preserve the UK’s legacy of providing refuge for victims of persecution and promote a “culture of sanctuary” by helping the public to understand why it is important to offer a safe haven.

The Rev John Marsh, Moderator of the United Reformed Church, said signing the pledge would show that political candidates were serious about offering sanctuary to those who cannot find safety in their homelands.

“As Christians, we are called to love our neighbours as ourselves, and the Citizens for Sanctuary campaign encourages us to do just that,” he said.

The Rev Jonathan Edwards, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain said he was particularly concerned about the effect of detention on children and young people in the asylum system.

“There is overwhelming evidence that holding children in detention centres is damaging to their physical and emotional wellbeing,” he said.

“Children are particularly vulnerable, and no matter where they are from, we all have a duty to protect them from harm.

“We encourage politicians from all parties will sign the pledge and commit to ending the detention of children.”