Why do refugees need a welcome?
In a world where conflicts, disasters, and persecution are forcing millions of people to flee their homes, welcoming refugees has become an increasingly important moral and social imperative. Refugees are people who have been forced to leave their homes due to persecution, war, or natural disasters. They often face unimaginable hardships and trauma on their journey to safety. When they arrive in a new country, they need a welcoming community to help them rebuild their lives. One such community is the Church, which can have a significant impact on the lives of refugees.
Why do refugees need to be welcomed?
Refugees are often in extreme vulnerability when they arrive in a new country. They may have left behind everything they know and love, including family, friends, and their way of life. They may have experienced violence, trauma, and loss. They may not speak the language or understand the culture of their new home. For those still seeking asylum on arrival in the UK, they also have a very complicated asylum system to navigate. All of these factors can make it difficult for refugees to adjust to their new surroundings and begin rebuilding their lives.
What’s the difference between a refugee and an asylum seeker?
In the UK, we tend to use the term ‘refugee’ to mean someone who has been given permission to stay in the UK, usually by being granted ‘refugee status’. Whilst technically a type of refugee under UN law, an ‘asylum seeker’ refers to someone who has applied for asylum (or their refugee status) and is still waiting to hear on the outcome. Because of the negative media attention asylum seekers have got in recent years, charities tend to say ‘people seeking asylum’ instead, to remind us all that there are real people, with real lives, behind the headlines. The term ‘refugee’ can also be used to cover both of these groups of people.
A welcoming community can help refugees feel supported and connected. When refugees are welcomed into a community, they can begin to form new relationships, learn about the culture and customs of their new home, and access resources and services that can help them rebuild their lives. A welcoming community can also provide emotional support and a sense of belonging, which can be crucial for refugees who may feel isolated and alone in their new surroundings.
The Impact of Welcome Churches
Churches have long been at the forefront of providing support to refugees. Many churches have developed programs and services specifically designed to support refugees as they adjust to their new lives. These programs can include language classes, job training, housing assistance, and social activities. When churches open their doors to refugees, they send a powerful message of welcome and inclusion.
‘’In August 2021, the churches in Northampton, came together to respond to the needs of the refugees arriving in 2 bridging hotels in Northampton. We are now also supporting a hotel housing families seeking asylum in the UK. We quickly realised that if we all came together, we could achieve so much more.
Firstly we provided emergency supplies, clothing, footwear, coats and toys for the children. After this phase, we opened up weekly “hubs” in church halls. These are places where guests can come, receive a warm welcome, feel safe but most importantly, where the love of Jesus is demonstrated. ’’ - Living Grace Church, Northampton
Welcome Churches connects refugees to church communities all over the UK through our Welcome Network. We train churches in our Welcome Network to give a cross-cultural, trauma-informed ‘Welcome’ and ensure that every part of their church life is open to people from a refugee background. These ‘welcomes’ can make all the difference for a refugee between surviving day-to-day and truly finding a place to belong, contribute and call home as they seek to rebuild their lives in the UK.