Wednesday 19 June 2019

Equality and unity in diversity: Refugees are welcome here


Equality and unity in diversity: Refugees are welcome here 
For the Refugee Week Celebration Event, Croydon College. Bible passages: Matthew 2; John 13
It is Refugee Week, a time when we celebrate the great contribution refugees make to our society, as members of our society - here in our College, in Croydon and Coulsdon, in the rest of London, and in many other places. Refugees give so much to us all – for instance, socially, culturally, and by means of the many skills they bring. We should - and must - always welcome them. To any refugees reading this: thank you. 

Refugees have often had some of the roughest journeys in their lives imaginable. Actually, sometimes we cannot imagine what they have experienced in their journeys, and the choices they have had to make - or the choices they have not had. Do you risk your life by travelling hundreds or even thousands of miles to a new place? Or do you risk your life by staying in your original country, where it is not safe, stable or secure? 

Refugees not only often find themselves in a new culture and place, and often having to learn a largely new language - but often they have to recover from loss in some of the most extreme ways. This might be a loss of possessions; a loss of homes; the loss of loved ones; and more. It is our duty to be here for them, to welcome and to help them as best we can; whether practically, pastorally, or otherwise, as they find and rebuild their lives here with us. 

I'm not a refugee, but I can certainly identify with one or two examples of loss which many refugees have experienced. My parents had both died by the time I was thirteen, and I then left my old home and moved into foster care for a few years. A new place; a new home. 
During much of this time, my life took the journey of an emotional rollercoaster, before it's stabilization - and I'm certainly very grateful to all those who have helped me along the way. 

In a similar way, we ought to help those less fortunate than ourselves - especially refugees. We have a duty to raise awareness of the needs of refugees to others; especially in this day and age, when refugees are often given a bad press. The current rise of hard-right politics amongst some in this country can pose potential danger to some of our refugees, and certainly to one of our country's very greatest values, which we cherish – equality. 

'We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.' These were the words of the late Jo Cox MP, which she spoke in her maiden speech in the House of Commons following her election as Labour's MP for Batley and Spen, West Yorkshire. Her time was tragically and brutally cut short just over three years ago, by someone who violently objected to her vision of equality. 

Following this, each year the Jo Cox Foundation hosts the Great Get Together weekend - a get together, a lunch, a tea party, a street parade, a sports day - where we all, as a community, are invited to meet together. Here in London, there are many such events this-coming weekend where we will remember Jo Cox, and come together with one another - meeting in her spirit and example of fellowship and love of one another. How can you as individuals welcome your neighbours? How can we all collectively welcome our neighbours? There are many, many ways that we can help others to flourish with us. 

At these events and in Refugee Week, we celebrate our diversity in unity - and our unity in diversity. Let us proclaim, practise and enact equality. We have much more in common than not; and how powerful we can be when we all come together, work together, flourish together, and live together as best we can. To any refugees reading this now - and to everyone else too - you are so welcome. Thank you. 

I'm one of the College Chaplains here at Croydon College - known by some as the Chess Chaplain, as I've been running the College's Chess Club this year! I've really enjoyed spending this year with you - thank you all. After the summer holidays, I'll begin my training for ordination to the priesthood in the Church of England, at Westcott House, Cambridge. All of us on the Chaplaincy team here at Croydon College are very happy to talk with students and staff - from all faiths and none - and you can usually find us here in the Common Room on most lunchtimes. 

In Matthew 2, we read of how Jesus and His family were once themselves refugees; let us love one another, following the example of God's love for us. 

No comments:

Post a Comment