International Migrants Day
| December 18, 2008 |
If your country is anything like the UK, immigration is a hot topic. Just when we thought the issue couldn’t possibly become any more politically volatile our economy takes a nose dive and the immigrants get the blame! This may be a slight exaggeration but it does seem that much of the British press and public devote a lot of time to the “problem” of immigration. International Migrants Day doesn’t seek be dismissive of the many complexities surrounding immigration but rather encourages us to spend some time celebrating the benefits migrants can bring to their host societies. As the church we have an important role in highlighting these benefits and to provide genuine, inclusive and hospitable communities for all.
Host it: Hold a street party and focus on celebrating the many different cultures represented. The organisation Streets Alive provide a guide to hosting a street party and have some excellent tips. Take particular note of the Stories section and the street party that created a road size map and had all the neighbours put candles in their birth place.
Pray it: In the midst of this suggested worship service from the Sisters of Mercy is a beautiful prayer. Why not share it with your congregation?
Feature it: Because of the political nature of immigration it can too easily become an impersonal issue, devoid of the faces of people who are affected. Find someone in your church who has migrated to the UK and ask them to spend a few minutes in your Sunday service talking about their experience and feelings.
Discuss it: Take the opportunity International Migrants Day presents to contact your local Member of Parliament/government official and ask them to take part in a discussion forum. Invite your church and your community to hear about the specific policies that impact migrants. Be sure to conclude with a reflection on the church’s role of hospitality and inclusiveness - whatever polices you might favour!
Please add your own ideas, plans and resources to this short list of thoughts. Contact theRubicon via a comment below or through our contact form.
Writer: Lucy AitkenRead lives in London, England where she is studying and working on the activist team of a development agency. Lucy enjoys ranting and raving and marching about various global issues. Lucy monitors, expands and writes the regular Match Factory listing on theRubicon. Visit her blog which she updates periodically.
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