Politics, Migration and Riots – What does it mean for mission?

Immigration was a major theme of the 2024 UK general election and has been a divisive topic over recent years in the political sphere. The recent riots in many parts of the country, sprouting from the sad deaths of children at a dance party in Southport and morphing into a more general outburst of anger and violence, were said to be motivated by a sense of dissatisfaction with the rise in immigration figures over the past decade or more.

Although only a small percentage of the public took to the streets, it’s a window into a wider growing negative attitude towards migrants, legal and illegal, among different sections of society.

Meanwhile, members of the church in the UK are responding with love, kindness and witness among migrant communities. So how does the politics of today, influenced by the issues of borders, security and immigration, affect the ministry of the UK church in this area? And how will the new reality of life under a labour government affect Christian mission?

A significant factor in the atmosphere that led to this summer’s riots was a sense of mistrust in politicians. This is true among Christians as well. Just 9% of the public would agree with the statement ‘I trust politicians’, according to Thinking faithfully about politics.

“The priorities of leadership should be towards the poor, ensuring they are treated well, and find refuge and legal protection (Psalm 72:1 – 4, 12)” says Alicia Edmund, Head of Public Policy for the Evangelical Alliance.

“Biblically, we are taught that good governance is the outworking of strong relationship between the political elite and those socio-economically different from them. When there is trust, society flourishes and peace is realised. When trust is fractured then inequalities, violence and suffering follow.”

“In recent years, the gap between the wealthy and the poor across the country has widened significantly. In addition, the gap in understanding and empathy between the political elite and those disfranchised and struggling financially has also worsened,” she said.

The new government will need to address these inequalities if it is to build trust and a sense of harmony between communities in the UK. In addition, the church is forced to face both realities of one community which is disenfranchised and disgruntled and another which is vulnerable and ‘othered’. How are we to respond?

In an upcoming Global Connections event, Alicia Edmund, who has worked on issues such as asylum resettlement, refugee integration, and religious freedom, will explore the current political landscape in the UK, rhetoric around multiculturalism and what it means for those of us ministering among those of different ethnicities, faiths and cultures.

Please book on to this event to hear from Alicia, discuss the challenges and pray together.

Global Connection's Member, Welcome Churches, has also outlined four ways to respond to the riots and protests across the UK.