Ballarat's Anglican and Catholic churches have embraced the idea of housing asylum seekers, as detention centres near capacity, the Ballarat Courier said.

Bishop Michael Hough of the Anglican Diocese of Ballarat said it was an "excellent proposal", according to the news report.

"This is the kind of ministry that should be undertaken by the church and if any of our buildings were suitable for use then we would do what we could to support the initiative," Bishop Hough said.

"The plight of all refugees should be a matter that occupies the hearts, prayers and resources of all Christians."

The Bishop said although the diocese had limited resources, the idea would be seriously considered.

According to The Age newspaper, the federal government has made a plea to convents, boarding houses and monasteries to house as many as 100 people.

Sisters of Mercy Ballarat East congregation currently provides temporary accommodation for those seeking solace.

Congregational leader Sister Veronica Lawson said the church would be happy to house the asylum seekers but not "detain" them.

"I would not be in favour of a detention centre ... but living in Ballarat, definitely," she said.

"I think it's important for asylum seekers to be treated with the dignity that they deserve as human beings."

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Churches OK asylum-seeker idea (Ballarat Courier)

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