As UK Christians consider how they might help the sudden influx of refugees from Afghanistan, one church leader with extensive experience of mission to Muslims has warned that the overwhelming majority of evangelical churches will not see any asylum seekers placed anywhere near them by the government.
Stephen Kneale (photo left) of Oldham Bethel Church says: ‘Most of these asylum seekers are open to Christianity. We already welcome many Afghani refugees who are, typically, very receptive to a gospel that is demonstrably different to what they left behind. Dozens of those we have witnessed to have put their faith in Christ.
‘But sadly only 29% of local authorities have thus far even agreed to accept these new asylum seekers. And government policy is to place them in areas where there is a greater supply of cheaper accommodation. This is relevant insofar as most conservative evangelical churches are in wealthier, more affluent communities – meaning that it will be churches in the most deprived parts of the UK, typically with far fewer resources, that will shoulder this additional responsibility’.
