Last updated 05/10/10
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,
for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13: 1–2
Some biblical sources:
Who is my neighbour? Luke 10 25–37
How to treat a foreigner Leviticus 19 33–34
How foreigners can be a blessing The book of Ruth
Justice love and fellowship Micah 6: 8
Treating others as we treat the Lord Matthew 25: 31–46
The gift of hospitality Hebrews 13: 2
Breaking down barriers Ephesians 2: 11–22
For full texts see: http://www.biblegateway.com/
See also Christian Voices
There have also always been incomers to Ireland, for political, economic and social reasons and in order to find sanctuary; there are just more today. Continue reading ‘Inward Migration Today’
Last updated 13/09/10
‘The heart of Christianity is hospitality’
Jean Varnier in ‘Something Understood’, BBC Radio 4, Palm Sunday, 2009
‘When a stranger lives with you in your land, do not ill-treat him. The stranger living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were strangers in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’ [Leviticus 19:13]
In helping to build a welcoming community it is important not just to provide a welcome for newcomers but also to help existing populations to adjust to change. Culture shock is acute for people who have left their home country, but the arrival of numbers of people who are different can also cause a range of emotions from unease and fear to hostility and aggression in local people. It is part of Christian leadership to acknowledge all these emotions and needs, and to find ways of creating mutual understanding and fellowship.
No exact figures are available, but a Labour Force Survey estimate suggests that there were 80,000 people, born outside the UK and Ireland, living in N Ireland in 2010. Continue reading ‘How many people have come here recently?’
‘So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.’ Ephesians 2: 19
‘The authentic Christian community must always be asking, “Who is being excluded?” ’
Archbishop Rowan Williams quoted in Inter-Cultural Insights.
Richard Kerr of the Presbyterian Race Relations Panel and EMBRACE has the following suggestions:
‘Use initiative in exploring options. Find out what is appropriate in your situation and for those you meet. What works elsewhere may be a good pointer, but may well need adaptation for your situation and your gifts and resources.
Perseverance is an important attribute; if at first you don’t succeed try and try again. Some things may work, others (perhaps inexplicably) won’t.
It is important to network with other churches, statutory organisations and non-government organisations (NICEM, MCRC, Law Centre and ourselves in EMBRACE for example).
Commitment is required to make things happen and to build relationships. Within your congregation there will be a need to inform and persuade members and leaders of the importance of reaching out. This will inevitably demand patience.
Being involved may well involve risk; it will not necessarily be easy. Yet, the challenges and opportunities are there to be met, and provide us with an opportunity to share and show the love of Christ.’ Continue reading ‘Building Welcoming Congregations’
