Immigration

Reflection: Immigration and the Demands of Faith

What does your Christian faith demand of you when it comes to immigration?

Not in theory, but in the raw and messy reality of policy debates, public opinion, and human suffering. Immigration isn’t just a political talking point - it’s one of the defining moral challenges of our century.

Across continents, the story repeats itself:

Families crossing seas in fragile boats, parents leaving behind poverty or violence in search of safety for their children, nations wrestling with the tension between compassion and control. From Africa to Europe, South America to North America, and from Asia to Australia, the movement of people has become a test of both global systems and personal conscience.

The Australian Story

Here in Australia, immigration policy was once largely bipartisan. That changed dramatically after the Tampa incident in 2001, when immigration became a political football. Offshore detention, alarmist rhetoric, and indefinite holding policies soon followed. The recent High Court decision declaring indefinite detention unconstitutional highlights how unresolved - and deeply human - this issue remains.

At the core is a moral tension. On one hand, nations understandably want to prevent deaths at sea and break the grip of people smugglers. On the other, denying legitimate asylum claims and confining people for years in harsh detention environments raises its own grave ethical questions.

And behind every debate, there is a reminder often forgotten: Australia is a nation of immigrants.

A Faith Perspective

Christian faith brings a different lens. Jesus himself began life as a refugee, fleeing Herod’s violence with Mary and Joseph. His teaching was unmistakable: love God, and love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). He spoke of the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, and declared, “Just as you did it for one of the least of these, you did it for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Exclusion was never his way. Compassion was. Inclusion was. A preferential option for the poor was. Which raises the question: if Christ did not exclude, why should we?

Paths of Response

So what does faith ask of us? Not everyone is called to the same action, but all are called to respond.

That could mean:

• Praying for a more compassionate approach in national policy.

• Staying informed and shaping conversations with friends and family.

• Writing to a local MP to remind them that voters care about moral courage, not just border control.

• Volunteering with refugee assistance organisations.

• Supporting advocacy groups that give voice to those otherwise silenced.

The point isn’t to solve immigration single-handedly. The point is to refuse apathy.

A Spiritual Challenge

St Francis of Assisi, on his deathbed, told his companions, “I have done what is mine to do. May Christ teach you what is yours to do.”

That line lands with weight when applied to immigration.

What is yours to do?

To ignore?

To resent?

To include?

To welcome?

Faith calls us not to easy answers but to courageous action. Immigration will continue to stretch nations, but it also stretches hearts. The question is whether we allow that stretch to enlarge us - or to shrink us.

So again, the challenge remains:

What does your Christian faith demand of you in the face of immigration today?

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FAQs: Immigration and Christian Faith

What does the Bible say about immigration and welcoming strangers?

The Bible consistently calls for hospitality toward the stranger. In Matthew 25:35, Jesus says, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Leviticus 19:34 instructs, “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born.” In fact, over 36 verses across scripture highlight care for the stranger and refugee. For Christians, this isn’t optional - it’s central to discipleship.

Why is immigration considered a moral issue for Christians today?

Immigration isn’t just about border security - it’s about human dignity. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), there are over 43.3 million refugees and displaced people worldwide as of 2023. Behind each number is a family fleeing hunger, war, or persecution. For Christians, the question isn’t just legal policy but whether our response reflects Christ’s command to love our neighbour (Matthew 22:39).

How does Australian immigration policy relate to Christian ethics?

Australia has long struggled to balance compassion with control. Offshore detention policies have been criticised by human rights groups for causing psychological harm, with a 2019 study showing over 80% of detainees experienced depression, anxiety, or PTSD (Source: Médecins Sans Frontières). From a Christian lens, indefinite detention conflicts with Jesus’ call to show mercy, protect the vulnerable, and honour human dignity.

What practical steps can Christians take to support refugees and asylum seekers?

Not everyone is called to frontline advocacy, but there are simple, meaningful ways to respond:

• Pray regularly for migrants and for compassionate national policies.

• Volunteer with local refugee support programs.

• Write to your local MP to advocate for fairer treatment of asylum seekers.

• Support charities providing housing, food, and legal aid.These steps reflect the heart of Matthew 25:40 - “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.”
  

How can immigration strengthen faith communities rather than divide them?

Welcoming migrants isn’t just charity - it’s spiritual enrichment. Studies show that multicultural congregations often report higher levels of vitality, growth, and community engagement (Pew Research, 2019). Diverse voices bring fresh perspectives on faith, new expressions of worship, and a living reminder that God’s kingdom is bigger than national borders. Immigration, seen through the lens of faith, becomes an opportunity for renewal, not division.

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About the Author - John Scoble

John's journey began in the heart of a traditional Roman Catholic family in Sydney, where he was raised with steadfast faith and reverence. Now residing in the serene surroundings of St Lucia, Brisbane, alongside his beloved wife, John finds solace and inspiration in the tranquil rhythms of life. With four adult children and a cherished grandchild also calling Brisbane home, John's family is his anchor, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging.

While spirituality has always been a cornerstone of his life, it was three transformative events in 2012, including a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, that ignited a profound shift in John's spiritual trajectory. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for deeper exploration, John immersed himself in extensive reading and soulful reflection.

Over the course of a decade, this journey of self-discovery has led John to reevaluate and transcend many of his traditional beliefs, embracing instead the timeless wisdom and cosmic perspective inherent in Christianity. Influenced by luminaries such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and Richard Rohr, John's spiritual evolution has been marked by a deepening resonance with the essential truths of his faith and a profound connection to the divine unfolding within and around him.