Simply put, the Church has a lot to offer those seeking sanctuary in the UK.
I have heard many stories over the past couple of months of churches opening up their doors, and sometimes Christians even opening up their homes, to refugees and asylum seekers. I reflected on how this closely aligns with this year’s theme for Refugee Week of ‘Community as a Superpower’ at length in the latest edition of the Bridge. There is much that we gain from the welcome of those seeking sanctuary into our local communities.
However, this is not just my perspective. Last month, Theos (a Christian think-tank) published its new report entitled ‘From Strangers to Neighbours: The Church and the Integration of Refugees.’ This research was based on a considerable number of in-depth interviews from the perspectives of church-leaders and other NGOs (Non-Government Organisations). It found that there is evidence that the Church is actively stepping up to equip and support refugees and asylum seekers integrate into UK society. Churches across the country have been offering spaces such as the one described above, alongside other assistance such as food, clothing and furniture banks, English conversation and English language classes, open kitchens, CV assistance (for those who have been granted refugee status), helping refugees to move home, acting as guarantors, and writing letters of support.
Importantly, this research suggests that the Church has been able to offer genuine friendship, by providing space for informal relationships to develop. We are able to do so in a way which differs from the assistance which other NGOs are able to offer. Local churches typically do not have the legal or professional expertise to advise on the asylum system or housing, but this report suggests that the way in which volunteers have been able to affirm the dignity and agency of those seeking sanctuary is invaluable to long-term integration and settlement.
As s we continue on from Refugee Week, I would love to hear the stories of your events and celebrations. However, Refugee week may have spurred a desire to offer more support and inclusion for refugees and asylum seekers in your ministry and church life. Over the years, the JPIC team have put together a wealth of resources to help guide you in this. You can see the library here.
We have also produced two new additional resources to help you get started. One is a quick guide to welcoming refugees as churches and as Christians. The other is a video spotlight on one of the coffee mornings for asylum seekers which is run in the Diocese. I had the opportunity to speak to Jackie who is one of the coordinators of the Meet Up at St. Barnabas, Dulwich, and she had lots of practical advice to share for those just getting started.
