Exploring religious and moral reactions towards asylum seekers

To start, everybody stands in the middle of the room (the neutral zone). Pull one statement out of the box and read it. Divide yourselves into two sides: those who agree with the statement and those who disagree (each side moving to opposite ends of the room). You are only allowed to agree or disagree: no “ifs” and “buts”. You have to react immediately and choose a viewpoint. Everybody interprets the statement in their own personal way. No explanation is given. When everybody has chosen a side, a debate should be started, with the minority side speaking first. You should individually argue their point of view. The other side should be allowed to react spontaneously. Once the minority side has finished giving their arguments, the majority group can then explain their opinions in the same manner. Two reporters are assigned for each group at each new statement (Minority and Majority). During the various debates, these reporters should note on the board key expressions, images and keywords used to support an argument.

If women are not free to express their own opinions in their own country they should be allowed to claim asylum. I’m not a racist, but if I accept migrants in my country, they should learn our language, and our culture. I think there’s enough unemployment in this country, and we should not allow more migrants in. Everyone must have the right to go wherever they want to go. All migrants without papers are irregular and should be sent back.

Did you change your mind? What persuaded you to change your mind?

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats in the Bible makes it very clear that Christians have a responsibility to feed the poor, clothe the naked, care for the sick, visit the prisoner – and welcome the stranger.

In Islam, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was himself a refugee, forced to flee from Makkah to Medina. This flight was called the Hijrah, and is such a key event that the Muslim calendar is dated from it. Those who helped the Prophet and his followers are highly praised in the Qur’an. Thus, in Islamic teachings, those who don’t help are frowned upon – whilst those who DO help are accorded special praise. “And if anyone of the disbelievers seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the word of Allah, and then escort him to where he will be secure.” (Surah 9:6)

There have been a number of examples of religious communities offering asylum to people – even when the government of the country has declared them illegal immigrants. Why do you think this might be? Are they right to do so? (Consider: governments tend to see people as having ‘rights’ associated with the state; religious communities tend to see people in terms of their equality in the eyes of God)

City of Sanctuary How do people help? Why might people/organisations get involved in the City of Sanctuary movement?

The logo for Manchester City of Sanctuary says ‘A City Built by Migrants.’ Make a list of the things we can enjoy that in some way relate to migration.