A Sermon for Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church
1 September 2024
Isaiah 1:17, 3:15
Micah 6:8
James 2:14-17
Matthew 25:35-40
The rioting seen on the streets of
British towns and cities last month
is deeply interwoven with the issue of people migration.
In the wake of these harrowing scenes
that we have witnessed across our nation this summer,
a stark reality has been laid bare:
we are seeing the corrosive impact on people’s lives
of fear, division, and misinformation.
The recent riots were fuelled by a toxic blend of prejudice and falsehood,
and have exposed deep-rooted wounds within our society.
But these are not isolated incidents
they are the culmination of years of complex factors,
including economic inequality, social unrest,
and a strained immigration system.
And it’s within this context
that I want us to take some time this morning
to examine the plight of migrants,
those who have become scapegoats for our societal ills.
I spoke about the way society scapegoats minorities a couple of weeks ago,
and offered some reflections with regard to the criminal justice system
and the prison population,
and this sermon builds on those insights.
I am particularly grateful to Solomon
who has encouraged me to tackle this subject,
and for the input he has had into shaping these thoughts.
Solomon has written his own reflection
on the role of the church in relation to immigration
and I encourage you to read it.
There will be a link to it on the church website
along with the script for today’s sermon.
is deeply interwoven with the issue of people migration.
In the wake of these harrowing scenes
that we have witnessed across our nation this summer,
a stark reality has been laid bare:
we are seeing the corrosive impact on people’s lives
of fear, division, and misinformation.
The recent riots were fuelled by a toxic blend of prejudice and falsehood,
and have exposed deep-rooted wounds within our society.
But these are not isolated incidents
they are the culmination of years of complex factors,
including economic inequality, social unrest,
and a strained immigration system.
And it’s within this context
that I want us to take some time this morning
to examine the plight of migrants,
those who have become scapegoats for our societal ills.
I spoke about the way society scapegoats minorities a couple of weeks ago,
and offered some reflections with regard to the criminal justice system
and the prison population,
and this sermon builds on those insights.
I am particularly grateful to Solomon
who has encouraged me to tackle this subject,
and for the input he has had into shaping these thoughts.
Solomon has written his own reflection
on the role of the church in relation to immigration
and I encourage you to read it.
There will be a link to it on the church website
along with the script for today’s sermon.
https://www.bloomsbury.org.uk/why-the-church-could-play-a-part-in-the-migration-debate/
The issue of migration presents us with a complex tapestry,
one which is woven through
with threads of economics, politics, and human suffering.
It is, as we often see, sometimes at tragic cost,
a topic that can ignite passionate, and often divisive, debate.
Yet, amidst all the noise and contention,
there is a clear, unwavering moral imperative
that calls us, as followers of Jesus, to action.
This morning, I want to suggest
that the Church has a vital, even indispensable role
to play in this conversation about migration.
In short, I believe that our faith compels us
to create sanctuaries for the marginalized,
and to offer a voice for the voiceless.
This room in which we meet for worship is called ‘The Sanctuary’,
and this is a word which implies holiness, a place that is ‘sanctified’,
but also a place of refuge, of safety, of support.
Our church Mission Statement speaks of this, saying:
Our mission is to discern God’s loving and inclusive will:
we nurture faith and build community,
we confront injustice, create sanctuary, and deepen relationships. [1]
The biblical mandate to welcome the stranger,
and to care for the oppressed,
is a foundational principle not just of our church,
but also of our Christian life both personally and collectively.
And this call to create sanctuary echoes through the ages,
bringing a challenge that remains as relevant today as it ever was.
Therefore, because of this,
the Church of Jesus Christ must be prepared to speak out for migrants
calling for justice for the oppressed, and offering welcome for the excluded.
We must stand in solidarity with those
who are forced to flee their homes
due to conflict, persecution, or economic desperation.
And we must advocate for policies that uphold human dignity
and protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
The Plight of Migrants
One of the key texts for defining human dignity
within the teaching of Jesus
is his description of the ‘least of these’
in the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25:35-40.
Here, Jesus identifies himself with those he describes as ‘the least’.
It’s not a straightforward parable to interpret,
as it isn’t entirely clear who Jesus is referring to as ‘the least’.
But the broad point is clear
which is that whoever they are,
wherever the ‘least’ are in our world,
there Jesus is to be found in their midst.
Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in,
I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me,
I was in prison and you visited me.”
I think this passage offers us a profound lens
through which to view the plight of migrants.
These people often embody the very qualities Jesus describes here:
they are hungry, thirsty, strangers,
naked, sick, and imprisoned
—not necessarily in literal terms, but certainly in spirit.
They are the hungry who have fled famine and economic ruin,
the thirsty who yearn for safety and security,
the strangers in a foreign land,
the naked lacking basic necessities,
the sick without adequate healthcare and denied recourse to public funds,
and those imprisoned by circumstances beyond their control.
And we know that their stories are heartbreaking.
They are the parents forced to make the impossible choice
between starving at home,
or risking perilous journeys for their children's future.
They are the children who have witnessed unspeakable horrors,
their innocence shattered.
They are the young people who dream of education and opportunity,
only to find their paths blocked by war and poverty.
Migration is not a choice;
for many it is a desperate act of survival.
To understand the courage, the hope, and the fear
that drive these individuals,
we must look beyond the headlines and the statistics.
We must learn to see the human faces behind the numbers,
to recognize the shared humanity
that binds us to these brothers and sisters,
whatever their country of origin.
Because wherever the least and the weakest and most vulnerable are,
there is Jesus in their midst.
The human cost of migration is immeasurable.
It is the loss of homes, families, and communities.
It is the trauma of displacement, the uncertainty of the future.
It is the erosion of dignity and hope.
Yet, amidst this suffering,
there is also a profound opportunity for compassion and solidarity,
as those of us who follow the command and example of Jesus,
turn towards, rather than away from those displaced,
finding ways of creating and offering sanctuary,
challenging the unjust systems that perpetuate suffering,
and seeing the spark of the divine in each human face.
Western Responsibility
The prophet Isaiah, with typical prophetic fire,
condemned those who “crush the poor and grind the faces of the needy.”
(Isaiah 1:17, 3:15)
His words echo to us across the millennia
as a damning indictment of injustice and oppression.
As we grapple, as individuals, as a community of faith, and as a society,
with these complex issues of migration,
it is essential that we examine our own complicity
in creating the conditions that force people from their homes.
For centuries, Western nations have played a dominant role
in shaping the global order.
Colonialism, with its legacy of exploitation and division,
has left enduring scars.
Economic policies, often driven by short-term interests,
have contributed to the widening gap between rich and poor nations.
These historical and ongoing actions
have created a world marked by inequality, instability, and conflict
– the very factors that compel people to seek refuge elsewhere.
It is therefore imperative that we in the West
engage in a process of honest self-reflection.
We must acknowledge the ways in which our collective past and present actions
have contributed to the suffering of others.
This is not to absolve migrants, or anyone else,
of responsibility for their own choices in the present,
but it is to recognize the systemic factors that have limited their options,
and our society’s role in creating and perpetuating
systemic injustice at a global scale.
Only through a deep-seated commitment to justice and equity
can we begin to dismantle the structures that perpetuate migration crises.
And this is what our Christian faith,
rooted in the prophetic tradition of the Jewish people
calls us to do.
This tradition calls us to a radical shift
in our approach to international relations.
It is time to prioritize the well-being of people over profit.
It is time to invest in sustainable development,
fair trade, and conflict prevention.
It is our calling to support policies that strengthen fragile states
and empower marginalized communities,
and to critique the actions of aggressors
who perpetuate the legacy of colonialism
on vulnerable populations.
By doing so, and only by doing so,
can we can begin to meaningfully address the root causes of migration
and to create a more just and equitable world for all.
The Church’s Moral Call
The prophet Micah, continuing the tradition of Isaiah
and adding his own piercing clarity,
outlined God’s essential requirements for God’s people:
he said they are “to act justly, and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with their God.” (Micah 6:8).
This simple yet profound statement
encapsulates the very heart of our shared faith.
It is a call to a life of righteousness, compassion, and humility.
As the Body of Christ, the Church is called to embody these values
in every aspect of its life and mission.
Our unwavering commitment to love, peace, and justice
should compel us to speak out against the injustices that drive migration.
Friends, we cannot remain silent
in the face of suffering and displacement.
Our faith demands that we stand in solidarity
with those who are marginalized and oppressed.
History offers us both cautionary tales and inspiring examples.
The dark chapters of colonialism and exploitation
are a stark reminder of the consequences
of unchecked power and indifference.
Yet, amidst the shadows, there are also beacons of hope.
South Africa’s transition from apartheid
is a testament to the power of forgiveness,
reconciliation, and the pursuit of justice.
The courage and resilience of its people, guided by faith,
paved the way for a new era of hope.
The theology of Desmond Tutu,
with his emphasis on God as liberator, the importance of human dignity,
the power of forgiveness and reconciliation,
and the call to action to challenge injustice
continues to offer a Christian pathway
to hopeful engagement with oppressive powers.
Similar stories of courage and compassion
can be found in countless other places around the world.
And these examples inspire us to believe that change is possible,
that a more just and equitable world is within our reach.
So what then, should we do?
Taking Action
The Apostle James writes,
"What good is it, my brothers and sisters,
if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?
Can such faith save them?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily bread.
If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,'
but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"
(James 2:14-17).
Faith without action is like a body without a soul.
It is an empty, lifeless thing.
Our belief in a loving and just God
must be accompanied by tangible acts of compassion and service.
And so the Church is called to be a beacon of hope
for those who are marginalized and oppressed.
This means advocating for just immigration policies
that uphold human dignity
and protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
It involves supporting organizations
that provide essential aid and support to migrants,
helping them to rebuild their lives.
And it requires fostering understanding and compassion within our communities,
challenging prejudice and promoting a culture of welcome.
Each of us has a role to play in welcoming the stranger.
And many of us have been involved in such actions for many years.
The West End Welcome project, a spin-off from London Citizens,
is a joint project between ourselves here at Bloomsbury,
and our friends nearby at the American Church and the Westminster Quakers.
In 2020 through the UN community Sponsorship Scheme
we brought over two sisters, originally from Syria,
who had been in a refugee camp in Iraq.
Many of us here today were part of supporting this,
and I was with them just last week.
The latest news is that they have recently passed their Life in the UK test
as part of their journey to becoming British Citizens.
I could tell you other stories from our recent life together as a congregation,
of how we have meaningfully supported people
who are trying to make a new life for themselves in our country,
and I am so pleased that this is part of our story as a congregation.
Whether it is through volunteering our time,
donating to charitable causes,
or simply extending a warm welcome to those who are new to our community,
our actions can make a difference.
So let us be a people who not only profess faith
but also live it out in tangible ways.
A World Out of Balance
As we have seen, the biblical narrative
is punctuated by stories of God's concern for the poor and oppressed.
Yet, today, we live in a world
characterized by a staggering disparity of wealth and power.
A handful of individuals possess resources beyond imagination,
while millions struggle to meet basic needs.
This is not merely a statistical anomaly; it is a moral crisis!
How can we reconcile the opulent lifestyles of a few
with the abject poverty of many?
How can we justify a world where conflict and displacement
are often rooted in the unequal distribution of resources?
These are questions that demand our urgent attention.
And as Christians, we are called to be agents of change.
We cannot remain silent in the face of such injustices.
Our faith compels us to challenge the status quo
and to work towards a more equitable world.
It is time to dismantle the systems
that perpetuate poverty and inequality.
It is time to invest in policies
that prevent conflict and promote sustainable development.
It is time to create a world
where every human being has the opportunity to flourish.
And our calling is to be a Church that speaks truth to power,
that advocates for the marginalized,
and that works tirelessly to build a more just and compassionate world.
Conclusion
So in conclusion, the Church has a unique and indispensable role
to play in addressing the global migration crisis.
Our faith compels us to be a sanctuary for the marginalized,
and a voice for the voiceless.
We simply cannot remain silent
in the face of suffering and injustice.
So let us commit to continuing to educate ourselves
about the complex issues surrounding migration.
Let us forcefully advocate for policies that uphold human dignity
and protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
And let us open our hearts and homes and communities
to those who seek refuge among us.
As we strive to build a more just and compassionate world,
let us hold tight to the words of the prophet Micah:
who calls us "to act justly, and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with our God."
Through our partnership with Citizens UK,
we are part of a powerful alliance
that is taking decisive action to create a welcoming country
for those seeking a new life here,
and also speaking out with courage
to bring about change at a national level.
They say, ‘We want to make sure that everyone in our country can live with dignity.’
And they go on, ‘We believe that refugees, migrants and asylum seekers
are everyday people who deserve to flourish
and live fulfilling lives in their homes and communities.
But millions of people in the UK are suffering
at the hands of unjust immigration policies.
There is a hostile environment which ruins lives
and prevents people from integrating
and contributing to their communities in the way they want to.
This makes people feel hopeless and helpless, but they're not.
Together, we can build a safer and more just country for everyone.’
As we leave this sanctuary today,
let us carry with us the words of our partners at Citizens UK.
Their commitment to a more just and welcoming society inspires us all.
Let us be a congregation that embodies their spirit,
that reaches out with compassion,
and that works tirelessly to create a world
where every person is valued and respected.
Together, we can build a future where the words "refugee" and "migrant"
are synonymous with hope, not fear.
Let us be that change,
in the name of our saviour Jesus Christ.
Let us pray:
A moment of silent prayer
Gracious God, we pray for peace and justice in our world.
Open our hearts to the suffering of those forced to flee their homes.
Grant us the courage to speak out against injustice
and to welcome the stranger among us.
May your love and mercy guide us
as we work together to build a more just and compassionate world.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
[1] https://www.bloomsbury.org.uk/about-us/our-mission-vision-and-values/
The issue of migration presents us with a complex tapestry,
one which is woven through
with threads of economics, politics, and human suffering.
It is, as we often see, sometimes at tragic cost,
a topic that can ignite passionate, and often divisive, debate.
Yet, amidst all the noise and contention,
there is a clear, unwavering moral imperative
that calls us, as followers of Jesus, to action.
This morning, I want to suggest
that the Church has a vital, even indispensable role
to play in this conversation about migration.
In short, I believe that our faith compels us
to create sanctuaries for the marginalized,
and to offer a voice for the voiceless.
This room in which we meet for worship is called ‘The Sanctuary’,
and this is a word which implies holiness, a place that is ‘sanctified’,
but also a place of refuge, of safety, of support.
Our church Mission Statement speaks of this, saying:
Our mission is to discern God’s loving and inclusive will:
we nurture faith and build community,
we confront injustice, create sanctuary, and deepen relationships. [1]
The biblical mandate to welcome the stranger,
and to care for the oppressed,
is a foundational principle not just of our church,
but also of our Christian life both personally and collectively.
And this call to create sanctuary echoes through the ages,
bringing a challenge that remains as relevant today as it ever was.
Therefore, because of this,
the Church of Jesus Christ must be prepared to speak out for migrants
calling for justice for the oppressed, and offering welcome for the excluded.
We must stand in solidarity with those
who are forced to flee their homes
due to conflict, persecution, or economic desperation.
And we must advocate for policies that uphold human dignity
and protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
The Plight of Migrants
One of the key texts for defining human dignity
within the teaching of Jesus
is his description of the ‘least of these’
in the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25:35-40.
Here, Jesus identifies himself with those he describes as ‘the least’.
It’s not a straightforward parable to interpret,
as it isn’t entirely clear who Jesus is referring to as ‘the least’.
But the broad point is clear
which is that whoever they are,
wherever the ‘least’ are in our world,
there Jesus is to be found in their midst.
Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in,
I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me,
I was in prison and you visited me.”
I think this passage offers us a profound lens
through which to view the plight of migrants.
These people often embody the very qualities Jesus describes here:
they are hungry, thirsty, strangers,
naked, sick, and imprisoned
—not necessarily in literal terms, but certainly in spirit.
They are the hungry who have fled famine and economic ruin,
the thirsty who yearn for safety and security,
the strangers in a foreign land,
the naked lacking basic necessities,
the sick without adequate healthcare and denied recourse to public funds,
and those imprisoned by circumstances beyond their control.
And we know that their stories are heartbreaking.
They are the parents forced to make the impossible choice
between starving at home,
or risking perilous journeys for their children's future.
They are the children who have witnessed unspeakable horrors,
their innocence shattered.
They are the young people who dream of education and opportunity,
only to find their paths blocked by war and poverty.
Migration is not a choice;
for many it is a desperate act of survival.
To understand the courage, the hope, and the fear
that drive these individuals,
we must look beyond the headlines and the statistics.
We must learn to see the human faces behind the numbers,
to recognize the shared humanity
that binds us to these brothers and sisters,
whatever their country of origin.
Because wherever the least and the weakest and most vulnerable are,
there is Jesus in their midst.
The human cost of migration is immeasurable.
It is the loss of homes, families, and communities.
It is the trauma of displacement, the uncertainty of the future.
It is the erosion of dignity and hope.
Yet, amidst this suffering,
there is also a profound opportunity for compassion and solidarity,
as those of us who follow the command and example of Jesus,
turn towards, rather than away from those displaced,
finding ways of creating and offering sanctuary,
challenging the unjust systems that perpetuate suffering,
and seeing the spark of the divine in each human face.
Western Responsibility
The prophet Isaiah, with typical prophetic fire,
condemned those who “crush the poor and grind the faces of the needy.”
(Isaiah 1:17, 3:15)
His words echo to us across the millennia
as a damning indictment of injustice and oppression.
As we grapple, as individuals, as a community of faith, and as a society,
with these complex issues of migration,
it is essential that we examine our own complicity
in creating the conditions that force people from their homes.
For centuries, Western nations have played a dominant role
in shaping the global order.
Colonialism, with its legacy of exploitation and division,
has left enduring scars.
Economic policies, often driven by short-term interests,
have contributed to the widening gap between rich and poor nations.
These historical and ongoing actions
have created a world marked by inequality, instability, and conflict
– the very factors that compel people to seek refuge elsewhere.
It is therefore imperative that we in the West
engage in a process of honest self-reflection.
We must acknowledge the ways in which our collective past and present actions
have contributed to the suffering of others.
This is not to absolve migrants, or anyone else,
of responsibility for their own choices in the present,
but it is to recognize the systemic factors that have limited their options,
and our society’s role in creating and perpetuating
systemic injustice at a global scale.
Only through a deep-seated commitment to justice and equity
can we begin to dismantle the structures that perpetuate migration crises.
And this is what our Christian faith,
rooted in the prophetic tradition of the Jewish people
calls us to do.
This tradition calls us to a radical shift
in our approach to international relations.
It is time to prioritize the well-being of people over profit.
It is time to invest in sustainable development,
fair trade, and conflict prevention.
It is our calling to support policies that strengthen fragile states
and empower marginalized communities,
and to critique the actions of aggressors
who perpetuate the legacy of colonialism
on vulnerable populations.
By doing so, and only by doing so,
can we can begin to meaningfully address the root causes of migration
and to create a more just and equitable world for all.
The Church’s Moral Call
The prophet Micah, continuing the tradition of Isaiah
and adding his own piercing clarity,
outlined God’s essential requirements for God’s people:
he said they are “to act justly, and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with their God.” (Micah 6:8).
This simple yet profound statement
encapsulates the very heart of our shared faith.
It is a call to a life of righteousness, compassion, and humility.
As the Body of Christ, the Church is called to embody these values
in every aspect of its life and mission.
Our unwavering commitment to love, peace, and justice
should compel us to speak out against the injustices that drive migration.
Friends, we cannot remain silent
in the face of suffering and displacement.
Our faith demands that we stand in solidarity
with those who are marginalized and oppressed.
History offers us both cautionary tales and inspiring examples.
The dark chapters of colonialism and exploitation
are a stark reminder of the consequences
of unchecked power and indifference.
Yet, amidst the shadows, there are also beacons of hope.
South Africa’s transition from apartheid
is a testament to the power of forgiveness,
reconciliation, and the pursuit of justice.
The courage and resilience of its people, guided by faith,
paved the way for a new era of hope.
The theology of Desmond Tutu,
with his emphasis on God as liberator, the importance of human dignity,
the power of forgiveness and reconciliation,
and the call to action to challenge injustice
continues to offer a Christian pathway
to hopeful engagement with oppressive powers.
Similar stories of courage and compassion
can be found in countless other places around the world.
And these examples inspire us to believe that change is possible,
that a more just and equitable world is within our reach.
So what then, should we do?
Taking Action
The Apostle James writes,
"What good is it, my brothers and sisters,
if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?
Can such faith save them?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily bread.
If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,'
but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"
(James 2:14-17).
Faith without action is like a body without a soul.
It is an empty, lifeless thing.
Our belief in a loving and just God
must be accompanied by tangible acts of compassion and service.
And so the Church is called to be a beacon of hope
for those who are marginalized and oppressed.
This means advocating for just immigration policies
that uphold human dignity
and protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
It involves supporting organizations
that provide essential aid and support to migrants,
helping them to rebuild their lives.
And it requires fostering understanding and compassion within our communities,
challenging prejudice and promoting a culture of welcome.
Each of us has a role to play in welcoming the stranger.
And many of us have been involved in such actions for many years.
The West End Welcome project, a spin-off from London Citizens,
is a joint project between ourselves here at Bloomsbury,
and our friends nearby at the American Church and the Westminster Quakers.
In 2020 through the UN community Sponsorship Scheme
we brought over two sisters, originally from Syria,
who had been in a refugee camp in Iraq.
Many of us here today were part of supporting this,
and I was with them just last week.
The latest news is that they have recently passed their Life in the UK test
as part of their journey to becoming British Citizens.
I could tell you other stories from our recent life together as a congregation,
of how we have meaningfully supported people
who are trying to make a new life for themselves in our country,
and I am so pleased that this is part of our story as a congregation.
Whether it is through volunteering our time,
donating to charitable causes,
or simply extending a warm welcome to those who are new to our community,
our actions can make a difference.
So let us be a people who not only profess faith
but also live it out in tangible ways.
A World Out of Balance
As we have seen, the biblical narrative
is punctuated by stories of God's concern for the poor and oppressed.
Yet, today, we live in a world
characterized by a staggering disparity of wealth and power.
A handful of individuals possess resources beyond imagination,
while millions struggle to meet basic needs.
This is not merely a statistical anomaly; it is a moral crisis!
How can we reconcile the opulent lifestyles of a few
with the abject poverty of many?
How can we justify a world where conflict and displacement
are often rooted in the unequal distribution of resources?
These are questions that demand our urgent attention.
And as Christians, we are called to be agents of change.
We cannot remain silent in the face of such injustices.
Our faith compels us to challenge the status quo
and to work towards a more equitable world.
It is time to dismantle the systems
that perpetuate poverty and inequality.
It is time to invest in policies
that prevent conflict and promote sustainable development.
It is time to create a world
where every human being has the opportunity to flourish.
And our calling is to be a Church that speaks truth to power,
that advocates for the marginalized,
and that works tirelessly to build a more just and compassionate world.
Conclusion
So in conclusion, the Church has a unique and indispensable role
to play in addressing the global migration crisis.
Our faith compels us to be a sanctuary for the marginalized,
and a voice for the voiceless.
We simply cannot remain silent
in the face of suffering and injustice.
So let us commit to continuing to educate ourselves
about the complex issues surrounding migration.
Let us forcefully advocate for policies that uphold human dignity
and protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
And let us open our hearts and homes and communities
to those who seek refuge among us.
As we strive to build a more just and compassionate world,
let us hold tight to the words of the prophet Micah:
who calls us "to act justly, and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with our God."
Through our partnership with Citizens UK,
we are part of a powerful alliance
that is taking decisive action to create a welcoming country
for those seeking a new life here,
and also speaking out with courage
to bring about change at a national level.
They say, ‘We want to make sure that everyone in our country can live with dignity.’
And they go on, ‘We believe that refugees, migrants and asylum seekers
are everyday people who deserve to flourish
and live fulfilling lives in their homes and communities.
But millions of people in the UK are suffering
at the hands of unjust immigration policies.
There is a hostile environment which ruins lives
and prevents people from integrating
and contributing to their communities in the way they want to.
This makes people feel hopeless and helpless, but they're not.
Together, we can build a safer and more just country for everyone.’
As we leave this sanctuary today,
let us carry with us the words of our partners at Citizens UK.
Their commitment to a more just and welcoming society inspires us all.
Let us be a congregation that embodies their spirit,
that reaches out with compassion,
and that works tirelessly to create a world
where every person is valued and respected.
Together, we can build a future where the words "refugee" and "migrant"
are synonymous with hope, not fear.
Let us be that change,
in the name of our saviour Jesus Christ.
Let us pray:
A moment of silent prayer
Gracious God, we pray for peace and justice in our world.
Open our hearts to the suffering of those forced to flee their homes.
Grant us the courage to speak out against injustice
and to welcome the stranger among us.
May your love and mercy guide us
as we work together to build a more just and compassionate world.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
[1] https://www.bloomsbury.org.uk/about-us/our-mission-vision-and-values/
