PORTSMOUTH Cathedral has disassociated itself from the City's rejection of asylum seekers.

Portsmouth City Council's controversial decision to say 'no' to more asylum seekers is "mean spirited" and "narrow minded," said the Cathedral.

A statement issued by the Cathedral said: "Portsmouth City Council has passed a motion which is unworthy of the City.  Its rejection of asylum seekers is mean spirited and narrow minded. 

"The Cathedral has generous hospitality as one of its core values, and we are proud that this trident has always applied to the whole City. 

"On Sunday 18th October the Cathedral, known as the Cathedral of the Sea, held its annual Seafarers Service, which members of the Council attended. It is a recognition of the City’s openness to the world and of its important maritime history. 

"Our Christian perspective demands that we see all people to be made in the image of God and of equal worth.

"Offering a home to a small number of people and recognising that asylum seekers have much to offer to the city is demanded by our common humanity.

"Portsmouth has a long tradition of multi-cultural harmony, and this decision undermines that history. 

"The City seeks to be more open to tourism, business and education, but the City Council has given the message that Portsmouth is not a welcoming City. 

"It is disingenuous of the Council to have focused on unaccompanied asylum seeking children as the main issue - currently there are five such children in the City.

"This seems to fly in the face of the recent outpouring of support and care from ordinary people in Portsmouth to those in Calais, and other places, as evidenced by the success of the Don't Hate Donate campaign and others.

"Portsmouth Cathedral and Portsmouth City were created in the same year - 1927. The Cathedral is and has been deeply involved in the life of the city, and is embarrassed and appalled by this crass decision. 

"City and Cathedral should both show generous hospitality and a spirit of welcome to those in the deepest need."