The politics of migration versus the theology of migration 

Israel Olofinjana reflects on the church’s prophetic response to migration and nationalistic politics. Can we offer a counter narrative?

 

 
Migration continues to be a dominant discourse in the UK in the public square, national debates and public policy. The contentious nature of migration is not only a UK phenomenon, as we see similar trends in other European countries. Perhaps more dangerous is what we see on the other side of the Atlantic with the unlimited power and operations of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the United States. 
 
But as we continue to have global and local debates on migration, what has been preoccupying my thoughts of late is this: what is shaping the thoughts of people in our churches on migration? Is it the politics of migration or the theology of migration? 
 
 

The politics of migration

Migration continues to be one of the most contested issues of our time. Migration in different western countries has been politicised, meaning it is an issue that divides politics, political parties, government, governmental policies and societies. 
But let’s not think that migration is a western phenomenon, namely people moving solely from the Majority World (Africa, Asia, Latin America, Oceania) into the western world (Europe and North America as an example). People are moving from the western world into Majority World contexts although the factors and reasons might be different. 

In essence, migration is not just an African thing or an Asian thing but a people thing! 

Migration is not also as new a phenomenon as we sometime think, for it is as old as humanity. People have been moving since the dawn of civilisation, but what is crucial now is how the debates on migration in western contexts is impacting how we define and process citizenship, national identity and multiculturalism. For example, Reform UK’s core policies are shaped around addressing migration. 
 
Illegal immigration is out of control because politicians choose not to enforce the law, and let foreign courts rob British citizens of a border.

A Reform government will stop the boats by immediately leaving the ECHR, restoring full control of our borders, intercepting and detaining all illegal arrivals, and deporting them.
 
There will be no loopholes, no delays, and no endless appeals (Reform UK, 2026).
 
Reform UK is on the right of British politics with a vision to restore Britain’s power and prosperity. A major approach in fulfilling this vision is providing a sense of national security through immigration and border control. On the extreme right of British politics are UK Independent Party (UKIP) and the newly founded Christian Nationalist Party, founded by former British National Party (BNP) leader Nick Griffin. UKIP appears to be demonstrating through its public marches an anti-Muslim sentiment with a version of Christianity that could be perhaps described as far-right Christianity. 

The Labour Party, on the other hand, which is supposed to be left or centre-left on immigration, has changed its tone and posture on migration. A new proposal on settlement aims to reduce net migration, increase integration and reduce the fiscal cost of migration. This proposal is seen as a fairer path to settlement through earned settlement rather than automatic settlement.
 
Settlement plays a vital role in fostering integration and cohesion, and this government is clear that these are not automatic entitlements but privileges that must be earned through meaningful contribution (UK Government, 2026).
 
In this new proposal the four core pillars in order to earn settlement are:

• character, namely core requirement relating to character and conduct of applicants. 
• integration that will ensure that applicants demonstrate meaningful engagement with British society. 
• contribution and participation in the UK through measurable economic contributions 
• and lastly, residence that recognises lawful continuous residence. 

The qualifying period for settlement in this new proposal is going to be ten years instead of five years. 

Besides this settlement proposal, the Labour Party has engaged in several intense deportations of illegal migrants. 

In summary, from a political perspective, migration has come to be seen as bad news and a burden for the country, and therefore needs urgent tackling through political action. 

 

Introduction to a theology of migration

In all the ongoing public debates on migration through politics, what is the prophetic role of the Church in speaking into this critical issue? What informs the Church’s response to immigration and does it matter what Christians think about the subject? 

As I travel around the country speaking about migration and related subjects, I am increasing aware through conversations that many in our churches have formed their views on immigration through the politics of migration, and have therefore embraced the idea that migration is a problem.  

This anecdotal evidence is corroborated by a new survey by the Evangelical Alliance looking at evangelical attitudes to various issues including migration. The views on migration are not much different from public opinion. Many polled strongly agree that people whose claim to asylum have been rejected should be immediately removed without the right of appeal. 

In addition, many also agree that the UK government should take actions to significantly reduce the level of migration to the UK (Evangelical Alliance Research, 2026). 

While I understand the complexities of the subject and know the UK cannot have an open border policy, for us as Christians, scripture has to be our guide.  Is migration as a problem the only narrative available to us - or is there a significant counter-narrative? 

If the politics of migration has led to a narrative that it is bad news for the country, what does the theology of migration has to offer the Church? 
 

The intersection of migration with God’s mission

Migration in the light of Christian thinking is understanding how God uses migration to fulfil his divine purposes. The theology of migration therefore looks at the intersection of migration with God’s mission. From this perspective, the Bible becomes a sacred text book on God’s mission and migration because from Genesis to Revelation we can see God’s redemptive history unfold through the hermeneutic of migrating witnesses. 

In this hermeneutic framework, Abraham’s story sheds light on God’s salvation revelation through his story as a migrating witness. Joseph’s story becomes that of a migrating witness in Egypt through forced displacement and trafficking. The story of Joseph actually exemplifies someone who journeyed from migration trauma towards intergenerational legacy because he went from being a victim of forced migration to becoming a preserver of community for generations to come (Genesis 50:20 encapsulates Joseph’s understanding of migratory journey). 

The story of Ruth can be read in the light of a refugee witness who was faithful to Yahweh despite adversity. Lastly, Christians in the New Testament can be understood as migrating witnesses who are on a pilgrimage seeking a heavenly citizenship rather than only settling for an earthly national identity. 

 

The prophetic role of the theology of migration

How can the church be prophetic through this theology of migration instead of the politics of migration? I want to suggest three important points.

The first is the necessity of theological colleges teaching a theology of migration. A second point is the need to disciple people in our churches through migration theologies, and lastly is our churches accepting missionaries from the Majority World.
 

1. Theological colleges and a theology of migration
One of the challenges our churches face in this season of continued debates on nationalistic politics is that several church leaders are not sure or confident enough on how to address some of these issues from the pulpit. I have had several conversations with church pastors who are not sure where to start. There is a deficit in our ministerial formation which has not taught and addressed migration theologies properly, therefore leaving many pastors not confident enough to preach on the subject. 

Our theological colleges as a matter of urgency therefore need short courses and modules on migration theology. In colleges and institutions where this already exist, the key question is, is this a core module or elective? 

In the current climate I want to suggest it becomes compulsory as part of theological and ministerial formation. 
 

2. Discipleship and a theology of migration
If pastors are left wanting in regards to teaching on migration in churches, you can begin to imagine where people in our churches are getting their information on migration from. Could newspapers such as the Daily Mail, social media and political manifestos be discipling people in our churches on migration? 

Our churches desperately need Bible study resources on migration that can enable honest and frank conversation on the subject. The subject of migration needs to be preached from the pulpit, but it also requires group discussions in small groups or house groups.

There are some resources out there already on the subject and examples include the One People Commission (OPC) Visions of Justice and Hope. Another is the Baptist Union Bible study resource Moving Stories: The Bible and Migration.
 

3. Reverse missionaries and a theology of migration
Do we need the help of missionaries from the Majority World to help expand our understanding of mission and migration?

Reverse missionaries - those from previous mission fields now doing mission in Europe - have a crucial role to play in helping our churches understand the role of Majority World missionaries in global mission. 

Several of our multicultural and intercultural churches have these missionaries within. What can we learn from their stories regarding the positive and prophetic role of migration? It is fair to say that the British church has grown multiculturally partly due to migration. 

In essence, our churches have been enriched by these cultural and ethnic diversity, therefore we can make the case that migration has been a gift to the UK Church. The UK Church in all its diversity needs to tell this story to counter the often negative story on the politics of migration. 


Image | Krzysztof Hepner | Unsplash

 

Israel Oluwole Olofinjana is a Baptist minister and director of the One People Commission of the Evangelical Alliance

Do you have a view? Share your thoughts via our contact form