Duties to refugees, the reluctance of governments, and social science: a Christian perspective. Issue 4 (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Young, Alistair
• Is Part Of: Theology. Volume 124:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 268
• Page End: 275
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Catholic social teaching -- Christian political engagement -- economic and social impact -- government policy -- immigrants -- refugees; Theology -- Periodicals; 230.005
• DOI: 10.1177/0040571X211028951
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-571X

Abstract

Recent theological discussion of immigration issues, while acknowledging the scriptural mandate of hospitality to migrants, also recognizes that host governments have a duty to protect their borders against those who might cause harm to their citizens. Looking in particular at the special case of refugees, I argue that government policy in many rich European countries, including the UK, falls well short of the hospitality requirement while greatly exaggerating the possibility of harm. I suggest that social science findings on the impact of immigration on host communities provide helpful background for politically engaged Christians who seek to call their governments to account.