Donald Trump and mercy for immigrants
Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash
Written by Emily Shepherd, CEO of Welcome Churches
Over the past week, the world has shifted once again. With Donald Trump taking office as the President of the United States, one of his first priorities has been advancing his immigration agenda. In many ways, this is no surprise—Trump has been vocal about his stance on immigration for years. However, his immediate actions, including pausing all refugee resettlements to the U.S.—even for those whose cases had already been processed and approved—along with halting asylum applications, have left many lives in limbo. Countless individuals, including fellow Christians persecuted for their faith, are now facing an uncertain future.
Trump’s immigration policies have dominated global headlines, sparking intense reactions across the world. A particularly poignant moment for the Christian community came when Bishop Budde called upon the President to show compassion to migrants during her sermon. In response, prominent Christian leaders have spoken out, both in support of and against these policies, revealing a growing divide within the Christian community on this complex issue.
At Welcome Churches, we are a UK-based charity with a non-partisan stance, and while we do not operate in the U.S., it is important for us to reflect on these events from across the Atlantic. Immigration remains a highly debated issue here in the UK as well, making it vital for us to consider our response as followers of Jesus.
Our Christian faith is the driving force behind our mission. The Bible is clear: we are called to welcome the stranger, extend hospitality, and provide sanctuary to those in need. Regardless of political affiliations, these biblical principles should shape our daily lives and actions. Scripture is filled with stories of migration—Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Jesus, and the entire nation of Israel, to name a few. Time and again, God's people are called to offer refuge to the vulnerable, particularly our persecuted brothers and sisters. Ultimately, God's kingdom embraces every tribe and tongue, making it a beautiful reflection of unity when people from diverse cultures and languages come together in worship.
A crucial lesson from Trump’s policies is this: we cannot rely solely on governments to extend a warm welcome. Political leaders are often hesitant to allocate significant resources to refugee support, especially when public opinion is divided. This places an even greater responsibility on individual Christians and church communities to step up and demonstrate the importance of welcoming those in need.
As followers of Jesus, we have a role to play. Whether through prayer for refugees, encouraging our churches to join the Welcome Network, or giving financially, each of us can contribute to making a difference. Our hope is that welcome becomes the defining characteristic of God’s Church—one that shines brightly in a world of uncertainty and division.
Curious about what the Bible says about welcoming refugees? Order your copy of ‘Refugees in God’s Story’ today to explore how Scripture calls us to embrace those seeking refuge.
Would you consider supporting Welcome Churches in our mission to ensure that refugees are welcomed and embraced by local churches for years to come? Click here to donate and make a lasting impact.