Migration and Christianity in the UK
Christianity: a story of migration?
The story of Israel’s faith begins with the call to Abraham and Sarah to leave their land and
make a journey to Canaan.
Later, Jewish tribes suffered an oppressive regime in Egypt and then wandered for decades
without a home.
During this time the Bible stated ‘you shall love the alien as yourself for you were aliens in the
land of Egypt.’ Leviticus 19:34.
The Gospels state that Mary and Joseph were uprooted from their community three times: from
Nazareth to Bethlehem, from Bethlehem to Egypt and from Egypt to Galilee.
Catholic Church celebrates The World Day Of Migrants and Refugees.
The challenges of Christian migration to the UK
Christianity is the religion with largest representation amongst immigrants to the UK who have a
religious affiliation.
Tens of thousands of ‘new’ Christians are joining churches each year; some of these will join
churches that have long been in Britain and that are also in their country of origin - such as
Anglican, Catholic or Methodist churches.
Others will join new denominations or independent churches with a significant immigrant
population.
This large influx of Christians has caused traditional churches to reflect on how effectively they
welcome and integrate newcomers into their communities.
Some Christians who are new to Britain will be familiar with many aspects of worship and
church life, however they may struggle to integrate into the new church.
E.g. the Catholic church in Britain has had an influx of believers from EU countries such as
Poland and Lithuania, which has similar worship styles, but a language barrier.
This has raised several cultural issues on which church actively seeks to help congregations:
● Language barrier - might appoint an immigrant chaplain or an episcopal vicar to talk to
the immigrant community.
● Language barriers can hinder the teaching of the catechism, confirmation classes and
preparation of the sacraments - older migrants can help, or leaflets in their native tongue
● There can be significant differences in worship styles - churches attempt to respect the
different styles.
Christianity: a story of migration?
The story of Israel’s faith begins with the call to Abraham and Sarah to leave their land and
make a journey to Canaan.
Later, Jewish tribes suffered an oppressive regime in Egypt and then wandered for decades
without a home.
During this time the Bible stated ‘you shall love the alien as yourself for you were aliens in the
land of Egypt.’ Leviticus 19:34.
The Gospels state that Mary and Joseph were uprooted from their community three times: from
Nazareth to Bethlehem, from Bethlehem to Egypt and from Egypt to Galilee.
Catholic Church celebrates The World Day Of Migrants and Refugees.
The challenges of Christian migration to the UK
Christianity is the religion with largest representation amongst immigrants to the UK who have a
religious affiliation.
Tens of thousands of ‘new’ Christians are joining churches each year; some of these will join
churches that have long been in Britain and that are also in their country of origin - such as
Anglican, Catholic or Methodist churches.
Others will join new denominations or independent churches with a significant immigrant
population.
This large influx of Christians has caused traditional churches to reflect on how effectively they
welcome and integrate newcomers into their communities.
Some Christians who are new to Britain will be familiar with many aspects of worship and
church life, however they may struggle to integrate into the new church.
E.g. the Catholic church in Britain has had an influx of believers from EU countries such as
Poland and Lithuania, which has similar worship styles, but a language barrier.
This has raised several cultural issues on which church actively seeks to help congregations:
● Language barrier - might appoint an immigrant chaplain or an episcopal vicar to talk to
the immigrant community.
● Language barriers can hinder the teaching of the catechism, confirmation classes and
preparation of the sacraments - older migrants can help, or leaflets in their native tongue
● There can be significant differences in worship styles - churches attempt to respect the
different styles.
