Praying Together 22nd June 2025

It would appear that ‘Immigration’ has become an essential theme in every politician’s toolkit when they are seeking popular acclaim. We see anti-immigration legislation being used to further populist political advantage. There are echoes of nascent historical persecution. We see (co-ordinated) rioting whenever there is an opportunity to foster antagonism against people who are different, even though they may have lived in this country for many years, some whose families have been here for generations.

People, understandably, want safety for their families in the face of war, violence and persecution on the basis of culture, belief and ethnicity. They are prepared to take significant risk to achieve it, and as such are at the mercy of criminal trafficking and exploitation.

Whatever action is taken to ‘stem the tide’ of refugees (what a dehumanising metaphor), there is no doubt that this issue will grow – in particular as global warming renders equatorial countries becoming uninhabitable and migration to cooler countries becomes essential to survival.

There is no ‘quick fix’. More restrictive legislation and closed borders are not the answer – what is needed is acknowledgement of this inevitable issue and realistic strategies being put in place for the longer term – and I would suggest that Christians we have a fundamental responsibility to be at the forefront of those discussions. We live according to Jesus’ command to love ‘as He loved us’.

This is a complex issue, and there are many different but sincere views – all of which must be expressed and taken into account without suppressing opinions with which we do not agree. So let the debate start, but pray that the voice of Christ is heard.

The following are extracts from Sanctuary: The Hospitality of Host, Guest and Stranger, published by Churches Together in Great Britain and Ireland (CTBI)
It is an Ancient Tradition across the world that holy places are considered places of sanctuary for those at risk of persecution. In the Christian faith this principle is enshrined in Scripture and given powerful expression in the ministry of Christ and the disciples of the early Church, who sought hospitality as they journeyed to share the Good News in dangerous times. This resource aims to support individual Christians, church communities and ecumenical groups in reflecting on the significance of sanctuary for our times.

June 22nd, the Sunday at the end of World Refugee Week, is designated as Sanctuary Sunday to give expression through prayer and witness to the centrality of sanctuary and hospitality to the stranger in the Christian call to love our neighbours. At its heart, this work is about connecting people, locally and globally, with respect for the dignity of every human person as made in the image and likeness of God. There is a human, legal, moral and spiritual obligation on us all to provide safety and sanctuary to each other, and especially to those whose lives are in danger.

This is important and urgent in our times of open hostility and hatred particularly towards people from other countries seeking security and sanctuary among us. In contexts of isolation, it is important to do all we can to keep people connected, and to ensure no one feels alone. All people can be vulnerable at certain times in their lives, especially in communities that intentionally set out, like churches, to be welcoming to all and to be inclusive. It is essential in churches to be proactive in building safeguards and promoting cultures of safeguarding and environments of safety for all.

Let us Pray: God of justice, God of love, In whose image all are made, we bring before you all who have been forced to leave their homes, and have lost livelihoods, as a result of war, drought, famine, persecution and poverty.

We consider the often-perilous journeys they make, whether alone or with loved ones, as they seek sanctuary and a new place to call home, whether temporary or permanent.

We think of loved ones who are left behind or separated by the journey, and pray that they receive your divine protection.

We pray that those on the move receive hospitable welcomes at their places of destination, we ask that they may be able to settle and regain some semblance of normality in their new homes. We also pray that they do not experience hostility and intimidation from those who feel threatened by their presence.

We think of your Church and ask that congregations up and down these shores continue to show the love of Christ to those who are so much in need of it.

As Christians, may we never regard mercy and compassion towards others as weakness, naivety or gullibility, but display the traits which demonstrate that we follow a Saviour who came to rescue those left behind.

So, in Jesus’ name, we pray that you give us the courage to always do the right thing. Amen.