23 December 2008

Don't be a Stranger: Building strong communities and welcoming our neighbours

Centred around the theme of immigration and community cohesion, the Evangelical Alliance’s ‘Don’t be a Stranger’ campaign is aimed at encouraging the British public to build strong communities, which are particularly welcoming to migrants.

Many of us will be saying ‘Don’t be a Stranger’ affectionately to our families and friends this Christmas as we part company with them after spending time together.

But Jesus doesn't ask us just to love those we would naturally share Christmas dinner with – instead, he challenges us to re-evaluate who our neighbours are and to welcome those we consider to be strangers.

The campaign showcases stories from migrants who have come to the UK and the churches working with them, as well as resources for people who want to find out how they can do more to help.

Don't Be a Stranger was launched at the Evangelical Alliance's flagship event, Temple Address 2008. A video and photos from the event are available on the Don’t be a Stranger website as is a copy of the Archbishop’s address on ‘The Road to Recovery: neighbourliness and mercy, community and service.’

We hope these stories will inspire you into action and we would love to hear what you have to say. We are on the lookout for your stories, ideas and insights, and would also like to use our campaign website to highlight your events relating to issues around migration. If you have moved to the UK send us your story, or if your church or organisation is serving the migrant community tell us about your resources or is hosting an event that you would like us to feature, please inform us of the event details.

In addition, the ‘Don’t be a Stranger’ photo exhibition will tour the country in 2009. If you would like to host the exhibition in your area, as a talking point on migration and ways in which your church and your broader community can get involved, please contact nostrangers@eauk.org.