Migration and Refugees

“...I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:36)

Human beings have migrated throughout history. It is not a new phenomenon. In the recent past, the issue of migration was not considered controversial, particularly when numbers were small and governments were able to count on broad electoral support for their immigration policies. Today this has changed; migration has gone to the top of the public policy agenda as a major concern of world politics, including the 'securitisation' of migration issues.

For us as Christians, it is essential to recall that all human beings, regardless of the labels given to them, are entitled to full respect of their human dignity and rights; we are challenged by the Gospels to respond to all ‘dispossessed' people, extend hospitality and work for justice.