Christians urged to think globally

Migration in the UK church context was the focus of a conference for 150-plus church leaders, theologians and other Christian workers at Oak Hill College.

It followed a report last year that found almost half (47%) of all migrants across the world are Christians. According to the report from Pew Research, 29% of migrants are Muslim.

The conference, run in partnership with Langham Publishing, held seminars on specific diaspora communities in the UK.

Minister Israel Oluwole Olofinjana spoke about the African migration movement to the UK, which has significantly contributed to the increase in UK church attendance in recent decades. He urged the church to learn how to build intercultural communities and work in deeper unity.

Sam George of Wheaton College spoke from Singapore about the God who moves – and quoted John Stott: “We must be global Christians with a global vision because God is a global God.” Dr George pointed out that while many religions have a geographical centre, our centre is a person – Jesus Christ – which profoundly shapes our worldview and relationships with people on the move.

Cross-cultural training director Chris Howles, who spoke on what an intercultural church could look like today, said after the conference: “At Oak Hill, we’re passionate about applying the truth of God’s unchanging word to a fast-moving and dynamic world. Migration is already shaping every church in the UK.”