Cross channel immigration and Jesus
Cross channel immigration has been a topic of much debate in recent years. With the rise of populist politics and anti-immigrant sentiment, it is more important than ever to remember the teachings of Jesus and the importance of welcoming the stranger. Bethany Church Manchester, a vibrant Christian community in the heart of the suburbs, has taken this message to heart and aspires to become a beacon of hope and compassion for immigrants and refugees.
In the Gospels, we see Jesus consistently reaching out to those who are marginalized and oppressed, including immigrants and refugees. In Matthew 25:35, Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” This message is clear: we are called to love and welcome the stranger, regardless of their background or status.
At Bethany Church Manchester, this message is put into practice. The church has a history of welcoming immigrants and refugees, providing them with practical assistance, emotional support, and a sense of community. This reflected in the broad cultural makeup of its members. The church hosts a foodbank that is accessible twice weekly and manned by church and Gatley community volunteers.
But the church’s commitment to cross channel immigration is not just practical; it is also deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus. In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, in which a man from a despised ethnic group helps a stranger who has been left for dead on the side of the road. The message of this parable is that we should love our neighbours as ourselves, regardless of their background or circumstances.
For Bethany Church Manchester, this means reaching out to immigrants and refugees in the community and providing them with the same love and compassion that they would give to their own family members. The church sees this as a vital part of their mission as Christians, and they are committed to continuing this work for years to come.
In a world that is increasingly divided and polarized, the message of Jesus and the example of Bethany Church Manchester are more important than ever. Cross channel immigration is a complex issue, but it is clear that the teachings of Jesus call us to love and welcome the stranger. Bethany Church Manchester is a shining example of what it means to put these teachings into practice, and we can all learn from their example.
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