The mass, inward, multinational migration experienced in the UK today is not a novel phenomenon.
Four hundred years ago, the Reformation caused large-scale, trans-European migration. The Calvinist Dutch Republic became an ark for refugees from all over the continent.
In my last article of this series (which you can read here), I considered how migration and exile are experienced by Christians in the UK in a variety of ways.
Whilst exile is usually associated with geographical displacement, exile can be experienced in various ways without ever leaving home. Cultural, economic, political and/or ecclesiastical exile can occur to any group of Christians, migrant or not. British evangelicals may be experiencing all kinds of exile, whether or not we have moved. When we find ourselves living in exile, how should we live?
Migration to and from the UK is never far from today’s headlines.
Unprecedented levels of net inward migration have created a wide range of social and political responses. The novelty and excitement around multicultural festivities have faded. Social weariness and wariness have taken root. Protests have arisen. UK residents - mostly under 35 years old - are leaving the country to find greener, safer pastures; many are returning to family homelands.
As I drove from Sutton Coldfield to West Bromwich on Monday's bank holiday (a distance of eight miles) I passed dozens of Union Jacks and St George's Crosses fluttering on lampposts.
This phenomenon is not unique to the West Midlands. It’s spreading across England.
Historical lessons for exiled evangelicals
The mass, inward, multinational migration experienced in the UK today is not a novel phenomenon.
Four hundred years ago, the Reformation caused large-scale, trans-European migration. The Calvinist Dutch Republic became an ark for refugees from all over the continent.