Migration has been a hot political topic across Europe since 2015 when large numbers of people sought sanctuary here.

Several years later, the number arriving is not so big, although more than a 1000 have died so far this year as they tried to cross the Mediterranean. But, with conflicts in Africa and Taliban rule in Afghanistan, most people predict that many more will try to come to Europe.

It feels like our continent is tired. Our nations have welcomed refugees willingly or reluctantly, in large or small numbers. Communities have embraced them or been or become wary, concerned about housing, school overcrowding, cultural tension and sometimes crime. Countries like Greece, Turkey and Italy are understandably exhausted at the pressures upon them and angry at the reluctance of their European neighbours to assist. Meanwhile, it is nations in other continents who host far more refugees than Europe does.

Politicians believe most voters support them when they deport asylum seekers (including Christians), and when they forcefully push people back over borders or erect walls.  This summer, European nations have sent out a united “Do not come!” message to would-be new arrivals other than small numbers of hand-picked Afghans.

The European Evangelical Alliance has noticed an oft repeated argument for strong limits on migration and a hard refugee policy

“We cannot let them come because they are not like us. They will change our values.”

The tragedy seems to be that some Europeans may have chosen to change their values themselves. Judaeo-Christian principles like hospitality, solidarity, compassion and dignity are, at times, being neglected.

Some asylum seekers do not meet the requirements for refugee status and nations are perfectly justified in sending them back to their country of origin. Sometimes, communities have seriously struggled to cope with the many new arrivals.  Governments must exercise caution and balance many needs as they manage migration and asylum claims. For some countries, weariness is absolutely understandable.

But migrants and refugees are human beings, with God-given dignity. So the EEA feels it is right to urge Evangelicals in Europe to renew their efforts to pray, to care, to support projects who care and to speak up for compassion, mercy and justice.  Let’s persevere in assisting those allowed to stay to feel welcome and help them to integrate as soon as possible e.g. by helping them to learn the local culture and language.

Please would you spread this EEA statement Migration, refugees and us widely.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIVUK