Anglicans struggling with visa restrictions

It has been revealed that two women theologians from Pakistan and Tanzania were unable to gain entry to the UK for the first conference for Anglican women theological educators held earlier this year.

According to The Church Times, the decision not to admit the women is merely part of an ever-increasing trend of people being unable to attend international Anglican meetings because of visa restrictions.

Last year, a number of bishop’s wives were unable to attend the Lambeth Conference after being refused visas.

Prior to the conference, one member from Congo, who was due to meet his Bible study team in South Africa before attending Lambeth together, was required to wait three weeks in Uganda just for the visa for South Africa.

Acquiring visas, especially in African countries, is becoming increasingly difficult. Visas from Tanzania are now being processed in Nairobi, which is causing delays. In Egypt, visas are now issued by commercial enterprises rather than the British embassy, meaning the name of the Archbishop of Canterbury carries less clout when applying.

In response, the Anglican Communion Office (ACO) said that it was now issuing letters signed by the secretary general, Canon Kenneth Kearon, which could be given to UK embassies across the globe.

Christians from other denominations have also had difficulties with immigration and visa regulations following a change in immigration law last November.

Colorado-based singer Don Francisco was refused entry to the UK in March this year on the grounds that the Christian musical he was due to take part in constituted work. A team of missionaries from Arkansas were denied entry in Scotland on similar grounds after telling immigration they would be volunteering at soup kitchens in the community during their stay.