ALTHOUGH net migration has fallen significantly in recent years, public concern about immigration remains high, fuelled by continuing political debate and media coverage of Channel crossings. This has contributed to heightened tensions, exhibited in anti-immigration protests held in several cities in the UK last weekend.

As a result, refugees and asylum-seekers are often discussed as a problem to solve. In fact, they are human beings with stories, families, and hopes for the future — and the Church is invited to be at the heart of this.

Churches that work directly with refugees see a very different long-term reality of what it means to build a life in a new country. Many refugees have fled war, persecution, or violence, endured dangerous journeys, and arrived in the UK carrying deep trauma and uncertainty. Across the country, churches are responding, unseen and unheard, and enabling people to rebuild their lives and find a home where they can belong.

Against the backdrop of recent unrest in Belfast, churches have continued to serve — demonstrating the real impact of present, active churches in communities. That same commitment is evident in the way in which churches across the UK are welcoming refugees and supporting them in rebuilding their lives.

For instance, a refugee family from Iran (location withheld to protect confidentiality) arrived in the UK after experiencing severe political tensions, security challenges, and sporadic violence in their home country. Without work or an income, they desperately struggled to provide basic essentials for their five children — even to the extent that the eldest daughter went to college every day in her father’s slippers in the wet British weather.

But, through the support of a church, each child received a new pair of shoes. This small gift restored a level of dignity, confidence, and hope — demonstrating that they were seen and cared for.

ANOTHER misconception in the headlines and the growing social-media algorithms is that refugees come only to receive financial support, without wanting to contribute to society — when, in reality, many are legally restricted from working while asylum claims are still in process. Surviving on just £9 a week, because of government policy, can make self-sufficiency impossible.

Many desire to rebuild their lives, but are not always in a position to do so. Frequent moves between accommodation, language barriers, and unfamiliarity with UK systems can cause a form of instability that leaves refugees isolated and disconnected.

Yet this is where the a church can step in — as one did for Ali (name withheld to protect confidentiality), an Afghan refugee. He came to the UK after being injured during the conflict and was found sleeping in a tent. After receiving emergency accommodation, he was supported by a church as he navigated the challenges of rebuilding his life and moving into permanent housing. As his immigration status was resolved, and he gained the right to work, the stability and genuine friendship provided by the church enabled him to pursue new opportunities: securing a translation job and two modelling contracts.

Today, his life looks completely different. He volunteers his time at his local church, supporting Arabic-speaking visitors, so that they, too, can know a sense of community and belonging here in the UK. His story demonstrates how we, as the Church, are a critical part of a community helping refugees move from crisis and isolation to becoming active contributors.

AS CHRISTIANS, we must recognise that the safety and peace that we enjoy in the UK are gifts from God, not earned rights. Throughout the Bible, God calls his people to welcome the stranger and care for the vulnerable. Refugees may look different in 2026 from words of the Bible thousands of years ago, but the call to respond is the same.

In doing so, we not only reflect Christ’s love, but also demonstrate to wider society that refugees are people to be supported and valued. Behind every headline are people made in the image of God, bringing gifts, resilience, and experiences that can enrich our churches and communities.

Lord Sentamu is the patron of the online charity Acts 435, and arrived in the UK as a refugee from Uganda. He experienced first-hand the ability to build his life here and feel supported by a church, and this led him to become the first Black Archbishop of York. As the Church, the question is not whether we are called to welcome the stranger, but whether we are willing to answer that call.

Jenny Herrera is executive director of Acts 435. She also runs the Good Business Charter.

To support refugees and others in need across Britain through anonymous giving, visit: acts435.org.uk/partner

Refugee Week ends on Monday. refugeeweek.org