Unity, Diversity, and Standing Together
Nathaniel Jennings
OMF Intercultural Ministries Director & Welcome Churches Trustee
As followers of Christ, we often affirm that we are one body - diverse, yet united in Him. This isn’t just something we say; it’s something many churches across the UK are living out in meaningful ways. We regularly hear powerful stories of churches opening their doors to welcome, support, and walk alongside Christian refugees and people seeking asylum.
This is deeply encouraging - and rightly celebrated. Yet for many of our brothers and sisters, the warmth and welcome within church walls can feel like a stark contrast to the isolation, uncertainty, or even hostility they may face in wider society. How might we, as the Church in the UK, go one step further to walk with them in everyday life?
A Body with Many Parts
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul paints a compelling picture of the Church as a body made up of many parts - each one indispensable, each one honourable. He reminds us that no part is more or less worthy than another, and that when one suffers, all suffer; when one is honoured, all rejoice.
This includes those who have arrived in our communities seeking refuge. Their experience, their dignity, and their worth are not defined by their immigration status - they are defined by their identity in Christ. And so, their joys and burdens are ours to share.
Unity that Celebrates Difference
Christian unity doesn’t mean uniformity. In fact, unity in Christ celebrates difference. Our shared faith gives us the freedom and the responsibility to honour and uphold the rich cultural, spiritual, and personal diversity within the body. It’s not enough to passively welcome people; we are called to actively stand with them.
Practical Steps to Deepen Welcome
Here are a few ways we, as church leaders and members, can further embody Christ’s love and solidarity:
Listen and Learn: Take time to ask, gently and respectfully, how friends from refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds feel about news events or local issues. Ask how the church might support them.
Be Present: Offer to accompany someone who may feel anxious in unfamiliar places, whether at appointments, shops, or school gates.
Extend Hospitality: Invite someone for a coffee, meal, or local activity. These small gestures build relationships and trust.
Celebrate Culture: Create space in your church calendar to recognise and celebrate cultural traditions, food, music, or testimonies from different backgrounds.
Offer Insight: Sharing something of UK customs and traditions can help others participate more fully and feel included - especially around key times like Christmas, Easter, or Remembrance.
A Call to Keep Going
These may seem like small steps, but they speak volumes. As we continue to welcome and walk with people seeking sanctuary, we reflect the heart of God, who sees and honours every part of His body.
So thank you. Thank you for what you are already doing - and for what you will continue to do. Together, let’s keep striving for a Church where unity and diversity are not just ideals, but everyday realities lived out in love.
At Welcome Churches, we are committed to creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for refugees and people seeking asylum. Your support makes this possible. If you, like us, believe in the power of learning from lived experiences and fostering genuine expertise, consider partnering with us. Your donation helps us continue our work of integration, advocacy, and community-building.
Donate today and be a part of creating lasting change.