Churches play ‘significant but often missed role’ in helping refugees to integrate – report

Churches are playing a “significant but often missed role” in integrating refugees and asylum seekers into British society, a recent report from Theos has said. 

The report calls for the event of a national integration strategy that features churches in strategic decision-making alongside policymakers and charities. 

Theos argues that while the immigration debate often centres on reducing net migration, less attention is given to find out how to integrate those that are already here. It highlights the work of churches in doing exactly this on each a practical and spiritual level, offering food banks, English classes and legal help in addition to friendship, emotional support, and a way of community. 

The report seeks to handle “misconceptions” surrounding church activities, including what it says are “unfounded” allegations of proselytism and ‘fake conversions’. 

“Churches offer unique strengths in integration efforts precisely because they’re communities rooted in shared values and relationships somewhat than transactional service provision alone,” Theos says. 

“However, the role of faith, particularly Christianity, in the mixing process is usually viewed with suspicion.” 

The report says that concerns about proselytism and the supposed complicity of churches in facilitating ‘fake conversions’ to secure asylum status have “forged doubt on the positive contribution of churches to the lives of refugees”. 

The report, nevertheless, found “no evidence of an industrialised ‘conveyor belt’ approach to baptism, nor that conversions are ‘bogus’ or insincere”. The argument that baptism may help asylum seekers gain leave to stay was also “unfounded”.

“While religious conversion is a think about some asylum cases, it’s exceedingly rare,” the report said.

“In 2023 only seven asylum seekers were granted leave to stay on the premise of non secular conversion.

“Furthermore, the Upper Tribunal doesn’t recognise clergy testimony as expert evidence, nor does it treat religious conversion as a determinative ground for asylum.

“Churches across the UK do so much for asylum seekers and refugees, as we’ve got seen. It is subsequently unsurprising that many asylum seekers and refugees – though on no account all – are drawn to inquire concerning the faith that has helped them.

“The concept that welcoming individuals with no ulterior motive might lead some to real conversion mustn’t be alarming.

“Nor should it surprise the broader public that individuals gravitate towards warm, compassionate communities. Indeed, conversions occur commonly even in churches which have deliberately avoided energetic evangelisation.” 

The report argues that churches complement the work of voluntary and statutory organisations however it also finds that many are “overwhelmed” by the dimensions of the necessity at a time once they are battling with fewer volunteers and limited financial resources. 

“Church leaders described being overwhelmed by emotional and practical burdens, exacerbated by the traumatic experiences of those they support,” the report said.

“Burnout, fatigue and feelings of isolation were common themes within the interviews, particularly as demand for help continues to extend.” 

Some interviewees spoke of “negative perceptions” towards their efforts by statutory bodies, charities and even businesses like asylum accommodation providers. They felt this had “significantly hindered their ability to perform their social work”.

On the opposite hand, the report said that some churches had an unfounded fear of putting non-Christian refugees off, even going thus far as to remove overtly Christian symbols and literature.  

“Staff at one church-run refugee centre were genuinely concerned that in the event that they left Christian literature in sight, non-Christian service users might think they’d to convert to get coffee,” the report read. 

“Interviews with each church leaders and Muslim refugees, nevertheless, suggest that explicit Christian expressions of care generally don’t deter non-Christians from searching for help.

“Non-Christian refugees often view church-based support positively, appreciating assistance irrespective of non secular context.

“Indeed, several church leaders argued that fears of proselytism reflect broader British societal discomfort with openly expressed Christianity, somewhat than refugees’ real concerns.” 

The report calls for churches to be given “a seat on the table” in strategic discussions at local, regional and national levels.

“Despite providing key frontline services and serving as a necessary safety net, churches often remain isolated from strategic partnerships,” it says.

“By virtue of the numerous work of churches in local communities across the UK, and for the advantage of refugees and their integration within the UK, we consider it is crucial that churches have a seat on the table.” 

It also calls for refugees and asylum seekers to be given the suitable to volunteer: “While charities up and down the country do much for asylum seekers and refugees, only initiatives enabling them to provide back and have a stake within the wellbeing of their host communities can foster their dignity and sense of purpose.”