Social justice advisor Hannah Ling takes a look at Operation Raise the Colours and discusses how we can respond, as Christians...
A different kind of justice
On the surface the raising of Union flags and St George’s flags across the country under ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ could appear to be a patriotic pursuit, but it’s quickly apparent that what should be symbols of unity and pride are being used to represent a divisive and exclusionary agenda, with asylum seekers being used as a scape goat. And I don’t see this approach as aligning with how we’re called to live as Christians.
We belong to a heavenly kingdom before we belong to the United Kingdom, but I truly think we should be people who love our country and are active in our communities so they can flourish and be joyful places to live (‘Seek the peace and prosperity of the city’ – Jeremiah 29:7). It’s beautiful when neighbourhoods pin up flags and pretty bunting for jubilant street parties, people enthusiastically wave the UK flag to support Team GB Olympians, or fly a flag to illustrate they’re behind the Three Lions or Lionesses in the footie.
But the raising of our flag shouldn’t be hand in hand with exclusion, hate, and fearmongering, and I don’t think the love for our country should be at the expense of vulnerable people seeking sanctuary and safety.
There are clearly problems in the UK. Alongside rising costs and stagnating wages, poverty levels (including deep poverty) are worryingly rising. There’s widespread disconnection and isolation. NHS waiting lists are far too long, and schools’ finances just aren’t adding up.
As Christians, we’re called to care about these things. But they aren’t the fault of asylum seekers, refugees, and other migrants. They’re outcomes of deeper, often systemic, issues which require strong, creative, and brave solutions, both from our politicians and from us as churches and individuals.
Love your neighbour as yourself
So I’d like to reclaim what our flags stand for and our actions reflect, with the type of justice and compassion I see spoken about in the Bible and embodied in Jesus.
When I read the Bible, I see us being told to welcome strangers, give food/drinks/clothes to those who need it, and speak up for those whose voices are ignored. I don’t see the Bible saying justice is about self-preservation, villainising vulnerable people seeking sanctuary and safety, or brandishing a whole group of people ‘criminals’.
Ultimately, the greatest commandment given was to love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). In Luke, Jesus teaches us that anyone in need, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or belief, is our neighbour. Therefore, the question for each of us is:
‘What does loving asylum seekers and refugees look like for me?’
Here are a few ways we can extend love, counteract the hate directed at asylum seekers and refugees, and embody unity, community, compassion, and justice.
- If you feel frustrated or angry at poverty, rising costs, and other social issues you and your community are facing, consider what practical and creative things you can do to respond. Perhaps it’s volunteering locally, starting a community group, or organising to ensure politicians hear your voices and solutions. There are some ideas on our website.
- Learn the facts about refugees and asylum seekers (and share them) via Refugee Action and in Asylum Welcome’s open letter.
- Call out hate when you see it, and offer love and community as an alternative.
- Display messages of hope and community welcome, such as these posters from City of Sanctuary or from Hope Not Hate.
- Reach out to local charities supporting asylum seekers and refugees – perhaps you or your church could offer support to staff and volunteers, as well as those supported by charities, who are on the receiving end of hate and abuse.
There’s more resources and info on our dedicated webpages.
Nigel Farage was in Oxford recently launching Reform’s plans for ‘Operation Restoring Justice’ to deport thousands of migrants and bar anyone coming on a small boat from claiming asylum should they get into power. Bishop Steven has written an open letter to Nigel Farage in response.
Here’s a beautiful account from Al Barrett about how his church in Hodge Hill, Birmingham, responded to hearing that there would be an anti-immigrant protest outside a hotel accommodating people seeking asylum on the edge of their parish.
St George's in Britwell have hung 200 flags on bunting in their foyer ahead of a service responding to refugees. The Revd Naomi Hill said:
"Our Ukrainian church member was delighted and said it made her feel very welcome, and children coming to Kumon in our building have also been thrilled to see the flag of their family's nation.
"Something simple, but generally well received."