When Politics Gets Personal
Mina Ko
Communications Manager, Welcome Churches
Political debates and election results can feel very different when you happen to be the subject of the debate.
Don’t get me wrong: we all want to build a good future for our local communities. Different people naturally hold different ideals and advocate for different visions for our country. Even when we share different views, this is something we can all recognise and respect.
But when some of those imagined futures seem to depend on the exclusion - or even removal - of people like us: refugees, people seeking asylum, and migrants; and when the language used suggests that some of us are responsible for all, or most, of society’s problems, it is understandable that many of us begin to feel concerned.
This is why it’s so heartening to see how churches across the country are steadfast places of safety, welcome, and belonging for so many of us.
At a recent Connect Day in Southampton, Samuel Luak, our Church Engagement Manager, reminded us about the strength we carried as a Network of churches. That when we work together to provide a warm welcome to refugees and people seeking asylum, when we walk with them in their realities of housing challenges, legal status issues, and many other aspects of living in the UK, we are standing with them at some of the most critical moments of their lives.
When we share God’s love to the vulnerable, we have one perfect example: the love of God. Not judging, not second-guessing the legitimacy of a person’s asylum application, but responding with a simple love and compassion because we see the person and the need, and we see it through Jesus’ eyes. (Luke 10:33)
So, at a time of uncertainty, we ask that you continue to stand with us and continue on with the good work: to strengthen one another across the UK, through learning from each other and working to make sure that, together, the welcome that we give is safe, local and unconditional.
When we stand together, those of us who are from the migrant communities will feel less alone and less afraid, and through the welcome of the Church working together, all of us - regardless of our backgrounds and experience - will see the visible reminder of God’s love.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
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.
